PN 6120 
. C5 L4 
Copy 1 



AND 

Several Poems 

BY 

Frank A. Lethert 


St. Paul, Minn. 





CHRISTKIND 


A Drama in Three Acts 


BY 

FRANK A. LETHERT 


Copyright 1916. 




NOTEPronounce Christ same as in Christmas, kind, as in kindergarten . 


Single copies $1.00—Per half doz. 75c each—Per dozen or more 50c each. 


Stage right for each performance $15.00. 


Stage right of single acts $5.00 
for each performance. 










7.0 
1 

u 

INTRODUCTION. 

The purpose of this play is to make Christmas happier by 
expounding the love of the Christchild, Christkind. 

It is a revival of the idea that the Christchild is the Giver 
of all good things to the children at Christmas, and that the true 
Christmas spirit in young and old can be found only through the 
beliefe in the Savior. 

Special credit is due Rev. David Yuenger, 0. S. B., for his 
valuable assistance. 

It was first played in St. Paul, Minn., before an audience of 
over a thousand, and numerous requests for its repetition and for 
its stage right have been made. 

This work is gratefully dedicated to my deceased parents 
who first taught me to believe in Christkind. 

THE AUTHOR. 




NOV 23 1916 
' ©CI.D 45650 


CHRISTKIND. 


THE CAST. 


Christkind, the 
Leader Angel 
Second Angel 
Third Angel 
Fourth Angel 


Christ Child 
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> his attendants ■ 


Fifth Angel 
Sixth Angel 
Seventh Angel 

Edward Wagner, manager of the Carroll Soap Co. - 

Miss Meyer, bookkeeper . 

Miss Jones, stenographer ------ 

Tom, office boy ------- 

Jim, shipping clerk ------- 

Joe (Darkey), janitor . 

Mr. Goodwin, charity man . 

Chauffeur --------- 

Marie Reinhardt, little poor girl - - ■ - 

Helen Reinhardt, her mother - - - - - 

Richard Reinhardt, her father - - - - - 

Mrs. Murphy, their neighbor - - 

Grandpa Reinhardt, Richard's father 
Catherine Reinhardt, his daughter - - - 

Grandma Wagner, Edward's mother - 
John Wagner, her eldest son, Mayor of Helena 

Gertrude Wagner, his wife . 

Alfred ] 

Rose > children - - 

George ) 

Mena, maid servant -------- 

Telegraph Messenger 


Child Part 


Child Parts 


Star Lead 
Light Comedy 
Light Comedy 
Light Comedy 
Light Comedy 
Low Comedy 
Utility 
Utility 

Child Character 

Emotional 

Heavy 

Low Comedy 

Old Man Character 

Light Comedy 

Character 

Light Comedy 

Light Comedy 

Child Parts 

Low Comedy 
Utility 




CHRISTKIND 


THE ACTS. 


Time, Two Hours. 


Ad One. 

Scene: Office of the Carroll Soap Co., New York. 
Time: Christmas Eve. 


Ad Two. 

Scene: Richard Reinhardt’s home in New York. 
Time: That night. 


Ad Three. 

Scene: Living Room in home of John Wagner, Mayor of Helena, Montana. 
Time: New Year’s Eve. 


NOTE: The best time to give this play is before Christmas. 

Do not have singing, sketches, etc., between acts as they take away 
from the effect and break the interest. Music only is desirable. 


The directions to right and left used in this play should be considered 
as facing audience. (See pages 35 and 36, Positions.) 










ACT ONE 

Settings and Properties ' 

Scene: Office of the Carroll Soap Co., New York City. 

Time: Christmas Eve. 

Door to outside in center of back wall. 

Business district street scene in New York, to back windows. 

Blue lights in front of street scene to give night effect. 

Door marked “Shipping Department” in the* center of right wall. 

Door marked “Private Office” in center of left wall. 

Windows in the right center and left center of back wall. 

Rug on floor. 

Files at right wall to back. 

Vault, if desired, against right wall, next to files. 

Stenographer’s desk at right center to front of stage. 

Bookkeeper’s desk between right window and outside door in rear. 

Clothes tree left of outside door in rear. 

Table for Office Boy in rear left center in front of window. 

Manager’s flat desk in center of stage, little to left, facing right wall. 

Chairs at all desks and extra one at Manager’s desk. 

Radiator at left wall to front. 

Waste paper baskets containing some waste paper, at all desks. 

Typewriter with cover on Stenographer’s desk. Also papers, carbons, 
note book, files, etc. 

Inks, pens, pencils, books and files on bookkeeper’s desk. 

Circulars and envelopes on office boy’s table. 

Telephone, ink, pens, pencils, cigars, matches, papers, envelopes, check 
book, wire mail-basket containing some stamped envelopes on 
Manager’s desk. 

Calendar on back wall showing month. 

One office coat, one overcoat for manager, one overcoat for Tom, one 
for Miss Jones, one coat and rubbers for Miss Meyer, hats for all, 
and everything on clothes tree. 

When curtain rises, Stenographer and Bookkeeper busy at their desks, 
Tom at table folding circulars. 

Have auto horn and whistles back of scene for effect, gauntlets and 
goggles for chauffeur, a dinner pail, dust pan and sweeping brush 
for janitor; papers for Jim, Tom and Manager, and newspaper for 
Marie. 

Effects. 

When Tom says: “Same to you, Mr. Goodwin,” whistle heard off out¬ 
side door. After Manager says: “Yes, we are too full of sin to see,” 
auto horn heard off outside door. Auto horn also heard after exit 
of Marie. 

After Manager says: “I must see Dick tonight,” noise off shipping-room. 

See dialogue for musical effects 

ACT TWO 

Settings and Properties 

Scene: Home of Richard Reinhardt in New York City. 

Time: The same night. 


Door to outside in right wall to rear. Hooks for clothes near same, 
Dick’s overcoat on same. 

Door to bedroom in left center. 

Frosted window in center of back wall. Window must have curtain , 
to draw up. 

Street scene showing tops of skyscrapers and spires to back window. 

Blue lights in front of street scene to give night effect. 

Small table left of window at back. 

Kitchen table in center of stage. Old table-cloth on same. Three plain 
chairs at table. One chair at center of right wall. 

Old style kitchen stove at left'wall to front. 

Cupboard at left wall to rear. Alarm clock on same. 

Old kitchen lamp on kitchen table. Bread, 3 cups, 3 saucers, 3 plates, 

3 knives, 3 forks, 3 spoons for soup, bowl or soup with large soup 
spoon in center of table, 3 small bowls on plates; other food on 
table, also plate of crackers, butter, end of loaf of bread and bread- 
knife. Meal set for three. 

Coffee pot and kettle on stove. Coffee steaming. Apron for Helen 
hung up near stove. 

Revolver, plates, clean table-cloth, box containing Christmas tree 
trimmings, small candles with holders for tree, and a picture of 
Christkind to hang on tip. Also large candle in holder to set on 
table at window. Have all this in or on cupboard. 

Also newspapers, pipe, tobacco and matches on cupboard. 

Have split cord-wood and small Christmas tree on stand at right, behind 
scene. 

At rise of curtain, Richard Reinhardt seen at kitchen table eating 
supper. 


THE VISION 
Settings and Properties 

At midnight angels seen peeping through window, then door in right 
wall of Richard Reinhardt’s home is opened by leader angel who 
stands guard at same while small angels dance or drill in drawing 
golden sleigh on which Christkind is seated. 

Searchlight to shine on Christkind from left door as he enters. 

Sleigh on which Christkind sits may be an ordinary baby sled painted 
with bronze and decorated. 

Have candy, nuts and small toys in sled to be given to the angels by 
Christkind. 

At entrance of the angels, music very soft—“Silent Night”—-followed 
by “Schoenstes Kindlein.” 

Effects 

See dialogue for musical effects. 

Noise of footsteps off right, after Dick says: “Just like mother used 
to do it at home; it’s a beautiful old custom.” ' 

Have five bundles at right behind scene, for Edward Wagner when 
he enters in 2nd act. One bundle must contain a beautiful large 
doll, one a new dress for Marie and the others may be dummies. 

When Dick says: “Say, I’ll bet they’ll be surprised,” give sound of 


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church bells for the midnight mass. Phonograph record of chimes 
will give desired effect. Get “Adeste Fidelis” in chimes. 

When Helen turns down lamp, other light out. 

Searchlight shines on Christkind from left door as he enters. 

'Words about midnight mass and the effect may be left out whenever 
the producer requires it. In this case have Edward and Dick go 
out merely to send telegram. 

See dialogue for musical effect. 

ACT THREE 
Settings and Properties 

Scene: Living room in home of John Wagner, mayor of Helena, Mon¬ 
tana. 

Time: New Year’s Eve. 

House decorated with holly and mistletoe. 

Arch in left of back wall. 

Hall to back this. 

Exterior door in left wall of hall. 

Clothes tree in hall to right. 

Chair at back in hall. 

Light with switch also in hall. 

Door to dining room in right wall of living room. 

French windows right center in back wall. Mountain scene behind 
thesd. 

Blue lights in front of this to give night effect. 

Snow seen falling behind French windows at rise of curtain. 

For snow effect, have machine revolving a piece of cardboard with many 
small holes in front of a focused light. 

Fireplace at right wall to front. Red tissue paper in front of lieht 
therein to give effect of fire or have red light covered with white 
tissue paper, cord wood on tissue paper. 

Rocking chair and one ordinary chair at fireplace. 

Chandelier with electric lights to hang from center. 

Chair to be seen in backing to living room entrance. 

Settee, if desired, to rear in front of French windows. 

Library table in center to front of stage. 

Box of cigars on table and matches. 

Piano at left wall to front and stool for same. Music cabinet beside 
same, to rear. 

Chair at left wall in front of piano. 

Christmas tree on table or floor at left of French windows to rear. 

Colored electric lights on Christmas tree. Decorations, trimmings, etc., 
also on tree. 

Three plates filled with candy, nuts, efc., beneath tree. Also have a 
crib beneath tree if possible. 

Sled, skates, rocking horse,, aeroplane, steam engine, large doll and bed 
for same, all around tree. 

Bells behind scene for sleigh bell effect. Bell for door bell effect. Bells, 
whistles and chimes for New Year’s effect. Bell or chime effect may 
be same as in act two. Phonograph record of “Rock of Ages” or 
some other suitable piece played with chimes will give good results. 
Clock to strike twelve. Wind machine for effect. Artificial snow 


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on all who enter from without. Revolver and blank cartridges for 
New Year’s effect or imitate the sound of shots. 

Effects 

Snow seen falling behind French windows at rise of curtain. 

Door bell after Kate says: “Please don’t John.” After Kate says: 
“Father.” Wind louder again. 

Wind effect after children get through singing, and after Grandpa says: 
“I don’t see how a man could be in New York all this time without 
getting married.” 

Sleigh bells after Grandma says: “Yes, Henry, I am happier, etc,” 
Clock strikes twelve. Whistles, shots and bells heard after Marie 
says: “Gee, I guess you kids never lived in New York.” 

All but bells cease after everyone but Edward and Catherine is out. 
Bells until end. 

See dialogue for musical effect. 


COSTUMES AND PROPERTIES OF CHARACTERS 

EDWARD WAGNER, MANAGER—About thirty. Must be dressed in 
business suit in first act, have grey hair at temples and wrinkles. 
Paper money in pockets. Hat, overcoat and office coat on clothes 
tree in office. Papers in inside coat pocket. Binder in hand on 
second entrance. Wears overcoat on entrance in second and third 
act; well dressed in third. 

TOM, THE OFFICE BOY — Clean, ordinary clothes. Must have some 
change in his pocket and an overcoat and hat or cap on clothes 
tree in office. 

MISS JONES, STENOGRAPHER — Girl about twenty, neatly dressed, 
and must have a hat and overcoat on clothes tree. Must type¬ 
write during performance. Have purse containing change on desk. 

MISS MEYER, BOOKKEEPER — Girl about twenty-five, neatly dressed. 
Pencil stuck in hair, coat and hat on clothes tree. May have 
rubbers also. Purse containing change on desk. 

JIM, SHIPPING CLERK — About twenty-five. Must be in overalls, and 
look shabby and tired. Sleeves rolled up, arms and hands soiled. 
Have papers in hand on first entrance. 

JOE, JANITOR (Colored) — Elderly man, grey wig, dressed in shabby, 
unpressed clothes, black shirt and cap. Brings in sweeping brush 
and dust pan. Must also have dinner pail, overcoat and hat when 
he leaves at end of first act. 

MR. GOODWIN, CHARITY MAN—Handsomely dressed. Comes in 
with hat and overcoat on. Cards in pocket. 

MARIE REINHARDT — Little girl about six years old, poorly dressed. 
Holes in stockings, hair careless, wears mittens, red cap and white 
shawl around neck. Carries one newspaper in hand. Shoes also 
soiled. Well dressed in act three. 

CHAUFFEUR — Wears goggles, overcoat and gauntlets. 

HELEN REINHARDT — Woman about thirty. Poorly but neatly 
dressed in second act. Well dressed in third act. 

RICHARD REINHARDT—Man about thirty-five. Wears plain soft 
collar shirt, plain, unpressed coat and trousers. Hair unkempt in 


— 8 — 



second act. Must have overcoat and hat hanging on stage hooks. 
Well dressed in act three. 

MRS. MURPHY, neighbor of Reinhardts in New York. Middle-aged 
woman, poorly but neatly dressed. Must speak Irish brogue and 
have a small package in her hand when she enters. 

GRANDPA REINHARDT—Appears in 3rd act only. Old man, about 
sixty. White beard and wig. Clothes dark. White collar. Black 
tie. Old style shoes. Should play violin. Smoke corn cob pipe, 
and have matches in pocket. 

CATHERINE REINHARDT—Appears in 3rd act only. Woman about 
twenty- eight. Well dressed. Should sing or play piano. 

GRANDMA WAGNER—Appears in last act only. Old woman about 
sixty. Grey or white hair. Dressed in plain black. Old style 
shoes. May wear white cap and fichu. 

JOHN WAGNER—Appears in last act only. Man about thirty-five. 
Well dressed. Should sing. May wear mustache. 

GERTRUDE WAGNER—Woman about thirty. Well dressed. Should 
play piano or sing. 

MENA, SERVANT—Girl about thirty. Foreign. Neatly dressed in 
plain black and white. Speaks German brogue. 

TELEGRAPH MESSENGER—Wears overcoat and A. D. T. cap. 

CHRISTKIND AND ANGELS—Dressed in white and silver or gold. 

CHILDREN OF JOHN WAGNER—Well dressed. 


ACT ONE 


Beene: Office of the Carroll Soap Co., New York City. 
Time: Christmas Eve. 


TOM ( Office Boy. At his table putting circulars in envelopes ): 
This job is too much for me. I’ll never finish it tonight. It’s Christ¬ 
mas Eve at that. Gee! I wish I were home now. (Grunts.) And an 
hour and a half to get home from here! 

MISS JONES ( Stenographer): Well, do all you can, Tom. You 
may go as soon as the whistle blows. 

(Enter Jim from Shipping Room whistling) 

JIM: Please send this bill of lading to the Northern Oil Co., Miss 
Jones; it’s got to go out tonight. 

MISS JONES: All right, Jim; is that all you have? 

JIM: Yes, that’ll be all for to-night, I think. 

MISS JONES: Good. We’ll get out early. 

TOM: What time are you going to finish tonight, Jim? 

JIM: Oh, about seven. What are you worrying about? Come 
out and help me juggle around some of those barrels. 

TOM: Not me, I haven’t got the strength in the arms. I’ve got 
it all in the brain. 

JIM: You stick around this place much longer and you’ll be weak 
in the brain and strong in the arms. (Exit Jim, shipping room.) 

TOM: (Sitting at Manager's desk): Here’s the way the Boss dic¬ 
tates a letter. (Roughly pulls out board of desk. In deep voice): 
Missouri Credit Co., St. Louis, Missouri. Gentlemen: Enclosed find 
statement for J. M. Walsh, Manager Saratoga Hotel— 

(Manager slowly coming in from shipping room with back to audi¬ 
ence, while still in doorway.) 

MANAGER: Get that order out tonisrht, Jim; It’s got to go! 

(Turns and closes door. When Manager turns, Tom is at his own 
desk.) 

MANAGER (handing binder to Miss Meyer): Foot today’s sales 
before you go, Miss Meyer. (Exit, shipping room.) 

TOM: Gee, that was a close call. It’s a good thing he didn’t catch 
me at it. 

MISS MEYER: Where’s your stenographer? 

TOM: Gone through the floor. (Laughs.) I guess I’ll not send 
that letter today. 

MISS JONES: Better be careful, Tom, or you’ll get yours. 

(Enter Mr. Goodwin, Exterior door.) 

MR. GOODWIN (Goes to Tom's table): Is the manager in, 
please? 

TOM: Yes, sir; he’s out in the shipping room; I’ll call him. (Exit 
Tom, shipping room.) 

MR. GOODWIN: Thank you. Pretty nice Christmas evening, isn’t 


10 




it, girls? I'm glad the snow is on the ground so we can hear the sleigh 
bells again. But it’s getting pretty cold. 

MISS JONES: Oah! ( shivers ) Is that right? Of course, we don’t 
hear many sleigh-bells around here. This is the motor age, you know. 

MR. GOODWIN: Yes, that’s true, but there is nothing like a good 
old sleigh-ride. 

MISS MEYER: I agree With you there. What are you selling 
today, sleighs? 

MR. GOODWIN: Oh, No! I’m on the committee of Good Fellow¬ 
ship. We are going to give a dinner for the newsboys. Here’s my 
card. ( Hands card to Miss Meyer.) 

MISS MEYER ( taking card) : Well isn’t that fine! 

MR. GOODWIN: Yes, I’ve come to ask the manager for a dona¬ 
tion. You girts can give something if you wish. 

MISS JONES: Sure, I’ll be glad to. ( Gets Money from her 
purse.) Here you are. 

MISS MEYER (takes money from her purse): Here, take this, 
too. I feel sorry for the poor newsies. 

MR. GOODWIN: Girls, I thank you very much. I’m sure if you 
could see those happy children at the dinner, you would feel repaid. 

MISS JONES: Oh, don’t Worry about that. 

(Enter Tom from Shipping Room.) 

TOM: He’ll be here in a minute, sir. (Hands binder to Miss 
Jones.) Here is something else for you, Miss Jones, from Jim. He 
Said that had to go, too. 

MISS MEYER: Tom, would you like to give something for the 
heWsies’ Christmas dinner? 

TOM: Sure; to whom will I give it? 

MISS MEYER: Give it to the gentleman over there. (Points to 
Mr. Goodwin.) 

MR. GOODWIN: Goodwin is my name. 

TOM (Gets change out of his pocket): Here, is this enough, Mr. 
Goodwin? 

MR. GOODWIN: Sure, anything. Thank you. 

TOM: Not at all, sir. Wish I had more to give. 

(Enter manager from Shipping Room and goes toward Mr. Goodwin.) 

MANAGER (in bad mood): Did you wish to see me? 

MR. GOODWIN: Yes, sir. I am on the Good-Fellowship com¬ 
mittee. We are taking up a collection for the newsies’ Christmas din¬ 
ner and I thought you might like to give— 

MANAGER: No, We can’t help anybody with Christmas dinners. 
We don’t take time for such humbug. We’ve got troubles enough of 
our own. 

MR. GOODWIN: I beg your pardon, sir, but couldn’t you give 
a dollar or two. I’m sure you wouldn’t miss it. 

MANAGER: I said NO! (Leaves.) 

MR. GOODWIN: Well, I am sorry to have troubled, but I wish 
you a Merry Christmas. 

(Exit Manager , private office, slamming door, without returning wish.) 

MR. GOODWIN (to office force): Merry Christmas, everybody! 

GIRLS: Merry Christmas! 

TOM: Same to you Mr. Goodwin. (Exit Mr. Goodwin, exterior 
door. Whistles are heard blowing. Girls put away their work.) 


11 


MISS MEYER ( putting hooks on Manager's deskor in vault): 
There go the whistles! 

MISS JONES: I pity those poor “Good Fellows” getting such a 
reception. 

MISS MEYER: Wasn’t it an awful turndown? Mr. Wagner cer¬ 
tainly is a bear. If he doesn’t change his ways soon, I’m going to leave. 
This is getting on my nerves. ( Hands papers to Miss Jones.) 

MISS JONES: Mine, too— I’ll not stay here much longer. 

TOM: Please don’t quit your jobs, girls. I don’t want to be here 
all alone. Gee! wouldn’t it be lonesome! 

MISS MEYER: Never mind, there’ll be someone to fill our places, 
Tom. 

TOM: Yes, but they might not treat me as well as you do, 

MISS JONES: Thanks, Tom. I guess we’ll be here as long as 
you will. 

MISS MEYER: Do you know, Jennie, Christmas is not what it 
used to be. It seems to have lost all its charm. It’s not the way the 
old folks used to celebrate it. When I was a child, we all believed in 
Christkind; that is, the Christ child, coming at midnight on his golden 
sleigh, and bringing candy and playthings to the children. We used 
to set out plates under the Christmas tree and go to bed early. And 
the next morning,—what a surprise? They were all filled, and Christ- 
kind had done it. Little Christkind! How wonderful it seemed that 
the poor little Christ Child could give us so many nice things: but 
mother would tell us that He is God and nothing is impossible for Him; 
and so we learned to love the little Christkind. 

MISS JONES: What a beautiful custom! Too bad not everybody 
follows it nowadays. I think that is why Christmas has become a bur¬ 
den to some folks. If they would realize that all blessings come be¬ 
cause of the Christ Child or Christkind, as you call Him, they would in¬ 
deed, be happy. 

MISS MEYER: Surely the greatest blessings have cbme to us 

from the Savior; why shouldn’t we gladly give to the poor and unfor¬ 
tunate for His sake, the Great Giver, Who is the cause of all our happi¬ 
ness, Who has given us everything We have,—our very life. My folks 
still keep up this good old custom. 

MISS JONES: Isn’t that fine! I’ll bet you enjoy it. 

MISS MEYER: I should say we do. 

TOM: We all believe in Christkind at home. 

MISS JONES: Is that right? 

TOM; Yes, most Germans do. 

MISS JONES: Isn’t that great! I wish Mr. Wagner would think 
that way. He can’t bear the sound of Christmas. 

MISS MEYER: He might have forgotten about his childhood, in 
the whirl of business. 

MISS JONES: That is perhaps the trouble with him and with 
most folks of his kind, for I don’t see how any Christian who believes 
as you do can be so mean. It is a pity that the children are not taught 
the true cause of their joy, that all their presents really come from the 
poor little Christ Child. 

MISS MEYER: Yes, isn’t it too bad! (Goes to her desk and gets 
hinder.) 


12 


MISS JONES: Well, we're staying overtime. I'm not at all sorrv. 
I’m going to tell the folks about Christkind. 

MISS MEYER ( puts Under on Manager's desk and then guts on 
rubbers) : Yes, do, I’m sure they will be interested. Are you coming 
with me? 

MISS JONES: Yes, just a minute. ( Puts cover on typeioriter.) 
TOM: I’ve got to stay awhile yet till Jim gets out that order. 
(Helps Miss Jones with wraps.) 

MISS JONES (puts on wraps): Well, Merry Christmas, Tom; 
hope you’ll gets lots of presents. ( Offers him her hand. Puts papers 
on manager's desk.) 

TOM ( shaking hands cordially) : Thanks, same to you. 

MISS MEYER (about to go.) (Teasing): Go to bed early to¬ 
night, Tom. You know Christkind is coming. 

(Miss Jones picks up mail and carries it out .) 

TOM (laughs): Yes, Miss Meyer, I will. Merry Christmas. 

(Exit Miss Jones and Miss Meyer, exterior door.) 

(Enter Manager from private office with papers.) 
MANAGER: Tom, take this out to the shipping room. 

TOM: Yes, sir. (Exit Tom, shipping room.) 

MANAGER: Some more nonsense, having that boy around here, — 
a lot of extra expense. Guess I’ll let him go. 

(Enter Tom from shipping room.) 

MANAGER: Tom! 

TOM: Yes, sir. 

MANAGER (goes to his desk, sits down and writes check): You 
better get another job. We have no more use for you. How much 
have you got coming this week? 

TOM: Three dollars, sir. Why? 

MANAGER (After writing out check, rises and hands it to Tom ): 

Well, here you are. 

TOM: You don’t mean to say I’m to go, do you? (Takes check.) 
MANAGER: That’s exactly what I mean. You’ve been fooling 
around here too long. 

TOM: Please don’t say that, Mr. Wagner. Don’t tell me to go. 
I’ll try to do better. I can’t tell my mother tonight I’ve lost my job. 
Don’t you know it’s Christmas Eve? 

MANAGER: That don’t concern me. I can’t use you any longer. 
Go now. 

TOM (putting on overcoat and hat and leaving despondently) : 
Well, I’d like to know what I’ve done. 

(Epit Tom, Exterior door.) 

MANAGER (standing at desk): Christmas! What does it con¬ 
cern me. Nothing but giving presents. Nobody is satisfied.—‘When I 
think of what we used to get. — How the times have changed! Now it’s 
Santa Claus, and he’s got to have a gold mine to satisfy them all. I’m 
getting sick of this silly idea. It just knocks out another day for busi¬ 
ness, that’s all. (Seating himself at desk and looking over papers.) 

(Enter Joe, the janitor, with sweeping brush from, shipping room.) 
JOE: Well, Mr. Wagner, ain’t yo gwine to go home fo’ to-nite? 
Yo all know it’s Christmas Ebe. (Gathers papers from all baskets and 
puts in one of them.) 

MANAGER: Don’t bother me. I’m busy. 


13 


JOE: All right, sah. But you all know ah was jes thinkin’ of that 
thaah roast chicken, takin a bath in the cranberry sauce, that’s all. 
( Chuckling laugh.) 

MANAGER ( sharply ) : Well, now, cut out the jokes. Get a move 
on. 

JOE ( after gathering waste paper ) : Say, sah, soon as yo’ go, ah 
wants to wish yo a Merry Christmas. 

MANAGER: Now, never mind that, I’m not going. (Joe stops 
short, looks at Wagner in amazement and then exit with waste basket, 
shipping room.) 

MANAGER (as Joe is leaving ): As a janitor, you’re a joke. 
(Enter Jim from shipping room, goes to manager and leans arm on 

his desk.) 

JIM: Well, I guess we’re about finished for tonight. 

MANAGER: It’s about time. Have you got Fisher’s order out? 

JIM: Why, no, the order read to be shipped on the twenty-sev¬ 
enth. 

MANAGER: Well, get that out tonight. It’s hard telling when 
it will go if you wait till Monday. 

JIM: Why, it will take me till eleven o’clock to finish it. I 
haven’t got enough help. 

MANAGER (angrily ): Well, what of it. It’s got to be done. 
Don’t be afraid of the help. (Rises and gives Jim a light shove.) I 
can get plenty of help that is willing to work for less. 

JIM: I suppose I’ve got to do it then. (Leaving.) That means no 
Christmas Eve for me. (Exit Jim, shipping room.) 

MANAGER. (Sits at desk): By Jove, I’ll get all I can out of 
this business. I’ll make ’em work. That’s what they’re getting paid 
for, Christmas or no Christmas. If the profits don’t show fifty per cent 
increase this year, I’ll cut down the wages or hire new help. I don’t 
care what becomes of them. That’s none of my concern. 

JOE (enters from shipping room with empty basket and places it 
in proper place): Should ah put some moah coal on, Mister Wagner? 
It’s gettin’ mighty cold outside. 

MANAGER: No, never mind. Save the coal. 

Joe: Ye—Yes, sah. (Exit Joe, shipping room.) 

MANAGER (lights cigar. Then after looking at papers for a half 
minute, rises and walks the floor): It’s getting awfully quiet around 
here. Hasn’t been so quiet for a long time. Queer I don’t hear Jim. 
He must be in the basement. (Goes toward window and looks out.) 
Guess everybody has gone home. (Gives a muffled laugh.) Home! 

I had a home once and a friend, — Dick—I wonder whatever became 
of him. But what’s the use. Guess he wouldn’t know me now. 
Haven’t seen him for twelve years, since he and I left home. He must 
have been killed in the wreck. I suppose he was. Lucky I got out of 
it. I do wonder what has become of his sister Kate — Catherine Rein¬ 
hardt. I loved her once, twelve years ago. But it’s too late now, I sup¬ 
pose — what’s the use. (Sits down at his desk). 

(Enter Marie Reinhardt, exterior door.) 

MARIE: Paper, Mister! Paper! This is the last one I’ve got. 
Won’t you buy it! 

MANAGER: No, don’t bother me; get out where you belong! 

MARIE : Won’t you please buy this last one, mister, only one cent. 


14 


MANAGER: Get out! I said. I’m busy! 

MARIE: Gee whiz! Mister, can’t I warm myself a little? It’s 
awfully cold outside. 

MANAGER: Well, that’s different. Come here. ( Marie comes 
toward radiator and leaves paper on same.) 

MANAGER ( turns on chair and stares at her): It’s a wonder 
your parents wouldn’t give you some decent clothes to put on in this 
kind of weather* 

MARIE: ’Cause they hasn’t got any themselves, that’s why. Not 
everybody can wear nice things, you know. My Aunt Kate sent me 
this dress last Christmas. She lives way out in Helena, Montana, and 
the styles are much different there; but you can’t keep things in style 
the whole year Wound. 

MANAGER ( surprised ): Helena, my home town. 

MARIE: Christkind is coming tonight. I’m so glad. Maybe I’ll 
get a new dress from Him. 

MANAGER ( rising ): Christkind! Christkind! Why, my child, 
do you believe in Christkind? 

MARIE: Sure I do. Everybody does, don’t you? 

MANAGER: I—yes, yes, of course I believe in Christkind. But 
what is your name, my child? 

MARIE: My name is Marie Reinhardt. 

MANAGER ( Pondering ): Reinhardt! Reinhardt! Could it be 
possible! ( goes to her and stares at her). She seems to resemble —* 
where do you live? 

MARIE: I live with my papa and mamma. 

MANAGER: But where is that? 

MARIE: On the sixth floor of the Broadway Flats. 

MANAGER: How long have you lived there, my child? 

MARIE: Ever since I was so high. (Shows him with her hand.) 

MANAGER: But your father, is he acquainted in Helena, Mon¬ 
tana? 

MARIE: Yes, sir. He knows lots of people out there. That’s 
where aunt, Kitty lives. She gave me this dress last Christmas. 

MANAGER: Aunty Kitty. Whom else does your father know in 
Helena? 

MARIE: He knows Wagners. 

MANAGER: Wagners! Is it really true? Does he know John 
Wagner, the Mayor? 

MARIE: Yes, he knows them a long time. Papa used to live in 
Helena before he came here. 

MANAGER: His name is Dick, isn’t it? 

MARIE: Some folks call him Dick, but his right name is Richard. 

MANAGER: (Laughs.) Richard!. — So that,—so you got that dress 
from your Aunt Kate, did you? 

MARIE: Yes, sir. Don’t you think it is nice? She made it all 
herself. 

MANAGER: Well, well. (Aside.) Wonder what brought him to 
New York. (To Marie.) Tell me, what does your aunt Kitty do? 

MARIE: Oh, she does lots of things. She’s so nice. Grandma 
Wagner is nice, too. She gave me these mittens. She said they were 
from Christkind. 


15 


MANAGER: Dear old mother! Well, isn't that fine. How long 
have you been selling these papers, my child? 

MARIE: Let me see— ( counts on fingers ) Thursday, Friday, Sat¬ 
urday-three days and I’ve made fifty cents. Isn’t that a lot? 

MANAGER: I suppose. 

MARIE: You see, we are poor. Papa has been out of work for 
over a month and mamma is sick. She always coughs so much, and if 
it weren’t for me selling these papers, we all would have to starve. 

MANAGER: You must be tired, my child. ( Offers her chair.) 
Sit down and warm yourself. It’s awfully cold outside. 

MARIE ( seating herself): Yes, sir; yesterday I froze my big toe. 
(Holding shoe child-like.) Gee, it hurts. 

MANAGER: What can I do for it, my child? 

MARIE: Oh, nothing, sir; I guess it will be all right tomorrow. 

MANAGER: Who taught you how to speak such good English? 

MARIE: Mamma did. She teaches me something new every day. 

MANAGER: Well! What does your father do? 

MARIE: He used to be a shoemaker in the East River Factory, 
before the strike started. Now he doesn’t do anything. 

MANAGER ( putting right hand on back of her chair): That’s too 
bad. Well, little Marie, what would you like to have from Christkind? 

MARIE: Oh, I wish he would bring papa some work. But if he 
wants to give me something, too, I wish he would bring me a little doll 
to play with. 

MANAGER: Is that all you want? 

MARIE: I wish he would make mamma well, too. ( Rises and 
runs around front of desk.) I must be going now, mister. It’s getting 
late. Mamma will be worrying about me. 

MANAGER: One minute, my child, you cannot go out such a dis¬ 
tance in this cold. I’ll have my chauffeur take you home in my car. 

MARIE: In your car! Honest! Am I going to get a ride in a 
real automobile? 

MANAGER ( pointing at her and smiling happily): Yes, you are, 
if you wait just a minute. ( Telephones.) Madison 4257. Hello! 
John? Come right over. ( turning to Marie) He’ll be here in a minute. 
(Seats himself.) 

MARIE: All right, sir. I’ll wait that Zong. ( Going up to man¬ 
ager.) Aren’t you going home, too, mister? It’s getting awfully late 
and you know if you don’t go home, Christkind will not come. 

MANAGER (sadly) :I — Home—what home? Where? I had a home 
once, but now— 

MARIE: No home , mister? Gee, I feel sorry for you. Where 
do you go to sleep at night when you’re tired? 

MANAGER: You feel sorry for me. (Hides face in his hands.) 

MARIE: Yes, I do, mister. Don’t feel bad; don’t, or else I’ll have 
to cry, too. (Puts arms around his shoulders.) I didn’t hurt your 
feelings, did I? Christkind is coming tonight! Gee, I’m so glad. I 
hone he will bring something nice to you, too, and make you feel happy. 
(Naively.) But you must go to bed early. (Manager looks up and 
smiles at Marie.) 

MARIE (smiling): Mama said, “His gown is so bright that no 
one can look at it, only His angels. That’s why He comes when 
everyone is sleeping.” 


16 


MANAGER: Yes, we are all too full of sin to see. ( Auto horn 
heard off exterior door.) 

MARIE: Oh, here’s the car! 

MANAGER: ( Takes purse from pocket and hands Marie a $20 

bill.) Here’s a present for you Marie. ( Takes old office coat and puts 
around her.) And here, put on this coat, it will keep you warm. 

MARIE ( taking manager's hand happily): Is all this for me, mis¬ 
ter? 

MANAGER: Yes, it is all yours, my child. You can do with it 
what you like. 

MARIE: Oh, I’ll give it to papa. He’ll be so happy. Thank you, 
mister, thousand times. ( Enter chauffeur, exterior door.) 

CHAUFFEUR: Your car, sir. 

MANAGER ( Takes her by the arm to door) : And I send a Merry 
Christmas to your papa and mamma. 

MARIE: Thank you, mister. Merry Christmas. 

MANAGER (to chauffeur) : Take her to the Broadway Flats, John, 
and come back here! 

CHAUFFEUR: All right, sir. (Exit chauffeur with Marie, door 
to outside. Auto horn heard.) 

MANAGER (Turns after staring at door through which Marie left. 
Pleasantly): Dick Reinhardt, my old pal. Right here in New York— 
and this little angel his child. I wonder what’s come over me tonight. 
Why, all thd money in all the world couldn’t please me as much as the 
look of her innocent eyes. (Goes to desk, stands and ponders.) Won¬ 
der what Dick would say if he saw me now. He certainly must have 
changed, too. Christmas always was his favorite time. How we used 
to set out our plates beneath the Christmas tree, — Christkind always 
filled them up,—Little Christkind. And how early we went to bed to 
make the time seem shorter. Poor Mother! I can still see her work¬ 
ing to make it nice for us. I wonder how she feels tonight? And 
Dad,—he meant it only for my good. I’m going home again. I’ve got 
to see them. I’ve been wrong. Poor Dick. It was all my my fault. 
His little girl out selling papers. It must not be. No! I must see 
Dick tonight. (Pause. Noise heard off shipping room.) (Manager 
surprised.) Jim! Still working? (Opens shipping room door.) Jim! 

(Enter Jim from shipping room.) 

JIM: Yes, sir. 

MANAGER (Happily, with entire change of manner) : Guess you 
ought to be home, Jim. This is no time for work. 

JIM: Why, I’m getting out that order. 

MANAGER: Well, let it go for tonight. I’m going to give you a 
little vacation. 

JIM: Vacation! 

MANAGER: Yes. I must make a trip next week, so you had 
better go home now for a few days, and when I come back you can 
take my job, see! 

JIM: Why, why, I don’t understand what you mean! 

MANAGER: I mean a better job for you with more money, do you 
get me? 

JIM: Well, if that's what you mean, Mr. Wagner, I’ll sure do my 
best to make good. But I don’t understand— 

MANAGER (extending hand) : Put it there, Jim. That’s all that’s 


17 


necessary. Take it as a Christmas present from me and a Merry 
Christmas to you and the wife. 

JIM: I wish you the same, Mn Wagner, but really I don’t need a 
vacation. 

MANAGER: That’s all right, Jim. Just be back on deck next 
Tuesday morning and I’ll go over the business with you. 

JIM: All right, sir. I’ll be here Tuesday morning. ( Looks at 

some order books in office.) 

MANAGER: You had better go right home now, Jim. It’s get¬ 
ting quite late. 

JIM: Yes, I guess my wife’s wondering what’s keeping me, Well, 
good night, sir, and Merry Christmas. 

MANAGER: Same to you. ( Exit Jim, shipping room. Pause.) 
Jim’s a good boy, after all, by Jove. I’ll have him raise the salaries 
of the whole force. {Pause.) Poor Tom. I fired him to cut expenses. 
He’s a willing boy, too. Too bad. {Stands thinking a moment, then 
looks up Tom's number and goes to telephone.) Riverside 263, please. 
Hello! Merry Christmas? Thanks. Same to you. Is Tom there?— 
Yes, I’d like to talk to him. Hello, Tom. This is Mr. Wagner. Come 
back to work Monday if you want to, Tom. I’ve got a better job for 
you. That’s all right. You can start right in Monday. Thanks. Same 
to you, Tom. Goodbye. 

{Hangs up receiver, rises and stands thinking perplexedly of what 
he has done and then suddenly smiles brightly.) By Jove, it is worth 
while, {Enter janitor from shipping room, dressed ready to leave. 
Carries dinner pail.) 

JOE: Wall, sah, it suah am gettin’ late and colder ’n codfish. I 
jes banked de fiah fo’ to-nite and ah all think yo bettah be gwine, sah, 
’cau'se it’s gwine to be awfully heah in a few minutes. 

MANAGER: All right, Joe, I’ll be going soon. You can tell your 
family, I’m going to raise your salary after the first of the year. 

JOE: Wha—What’s that yo all say, Mr. Wagner? Ah’m not good 
a’ hearin’, yo know. 

MANAGER: I’m going to give you a Christmas present and 
raise your wages. 

JOE {very happy) : Waal, fo de lub o’ Christmas! Dis am de 
happiest moment o’ mah life, sah. Yo know, Mr. Wagner, dis am de 
fust time ah eba heah dem pleasant words. 

MANAGER: Well, I’m glad you’re hearing them, Joe. 

JOE: Is thaah anything yo all wants me to do afoah ah go, sah? 

MANAGER: Nothing at all. Good night. 

JOE {leaving): Good nite, Mr. Wagner. Merry Christmas! {Goes 
a few steps, turns and repeats Merry Christmas, then off suddenly.) 

MANAGER: Same to you, Joe. {Exit Joe, exterior door.) {Man¬ 
ager stands looking at door through which Joe left—then turns, 
and looks around. Music, “Traeumerei.") Gosh, this place is getting 
lonesome; everybody’s gone home. {Goes to window.) I wonder what’s 
keeping my car. The city seems a mass of light tonight. There’s a 
light in every window. The people must be singing Christmas songs. 
{Turns slightly.) That’s a long way for the little girl to go.. Such a 
long way. Yet, everybody goes who cares. Yes, Christmas is the time 
to be at home. {Goes to his desk and locks it. Turns out light on 
switch.) {In dark repeats: “Home, Home.") 


CURTAIN. 


ACT TWO 


Scene: Richard Reinhardt's home in New York . 
Time: That night. 


(Richard Reinhardt discovered eating supper at table in center.) ' 

HELEN ( his wife ) (Bringing coffee from stove): I wonder 
what can be keeping our Marie tonight. It is certainly a disgrace that 
she has to sell papers. She is altogether too young. 

DICK {angrily): Well, I can’t sell papers, I’m just about through 
waiting for a change, I never saw times so hard. No work, no money, 
no hope. A poor man hasn’t got a chance in New York, I would work 
my way out if I could, but I can’t. There’s no use. The strikers have 
lost. The trust has bought the law. There’s no use. 

HELEN {putting arms around Dick's shoulders): Cheer up, dear. 
This is Christmas and surely Christkind will come to us. Don’t you 
remember how often you told me of the way your folks celebrate 
Christmas. Why shouldn’t we be happy f Think of the many poor 
people who haven’t even a bed in which to sleep (Coughs.) 

DICK: Well, who’s fault is it? The trusts! I’m getting sick of 
being kicked around like a dog or being treated like a machine that 
can’t get tired. I can make shoes as good as anybody. But what good 
does it do me now. There are too many new machines to take the 
men’s places,—so you see there’s no use. 

HELEN: Don't talk like that, Dick. I remember my mother used 
to say “Where need is greatest, God’s hand is nearest.” 

DICK: God! Where is He? There is no God! 

HELEN: Oh Dick. Do not give up. These trials are only for the 
best. I believe there is a God, £i God of love, who does things only for 
our good. {Pause.) Today our neighbor lady gave me some of her 
bread. Goodness knows she hasn’t much more than we have. She 
brought a little Christmas tree too, for Marie. How she does love 
that child. 

DICK ( after pondering, angrily): We’ll never go begging. I’ll 
find some way to get money, if I have to take a chance at stealing it. 

HELEN (excitedly): Oh, Dick! You would never do that! They 
would surely get you, and what then? “No matter how fine a web is 
spun, it always comes to the light of the sun.” {Pleading) Be an 
honest man, Dick. 

DICK: Honest, show me a man who is honest. They are all out 
for money, money. Honest or dishonest money. I have worked all my 
life, worked hard, worked honestly; but, it doesn’t pay, it doesn’t pay. 
The factories don’t appreciate it. 

HELEN: I don’t see why you can’t get something else to do. 

DICK: There you go again. You know I’m doing my best. 

(Brutally) If you don’t think Lam, perhaps you’d better leave me and 
find some one else if you can with your everlasting coughing. 


,19 




HELEN (weeps): Oh Dick. 

DICK (Rises, walks about, pause — ) : Where is Marie? Why 
isn’t she here? 

HELEN: I suppose she is trying to sell all her papers. Here it 
is nine o’clock and she is still out. (Coughs.) 

DICK (In despair) : Well, it can’t be helped. She has to keep 
right on working now. That’s the only way we can live. We’ve got 
to get some money some way. 

HELEN: My child in the streets! Dick, I would rather die of 
starvation than be the cause of her ruin. 

DICK (Rushing to cupboard): Well, if there’s no other way out 
of it (takes revolver from cupboard) this will end it. 

HELEN (holding his arm and wresting revolver from him) : My 
God, Richard, not that! (Pleading.) For the love of your child, Dick, 
don’t do anything like that. Think of your poor old father. What 
would become of us? O Dick! If your mother were living you would 
break her heart. (Enter Marie exterior door.) 

MARIE: Papa! Mama! Look what I got. (Runs to her father. 
Dick turns ashamed.) Look what I got for you, papa. 

DICK: What! Money! Where did you get it? Twenty dollars! 
It’s really true? (Somewhat suspiciously) Tell me,—where. Where 
did you get it, my child? 

HELEN: Money! 

MARIE (cuddling close to her father ): I got it in a factory, 
where I went to sell my last paper. At first the man was so cross, he 
said I should get out where I belong; but I told him I was cold and 
wanted to warm myself. 

HELEN: Did he really want to put you out? 

MARIE: Yes, but when I told him I was cold he said that I 
should come in and warm myself. 

DICK: But where did you get this money? 

MARIE: I got it from that same man. He said it was a wonder 
I didn’t have some decent clothes to put on in this kind of weather; 
but I told him Christkind was coming and maybe He would bring me 
some. He was so surprised when I said Christkind was coming. 

HELEN: Did he give you that coat too? 

MARIE: Yes, after I told him Christkind was coming, he put it 
around me and he was so nice. (Takes off coat and gives mother.) 

DICK: I wonder who it can be? (Puts money in pocket.) 

MARIE: He called up a man to come and take me home in his 
automobile and when it came, he put that money in my hand and said 
it was a Christmas present for me and he said I should wish you and 
mama a Merry Christmas for him. 

DICK: I wonder who it is — You must be hungry, Marie. 
Mother, give her something to eat. 

MARIE: Yes, papa, I’m very hungry. 

HELEN (Fixes a place at table): Here you are. Now sit down 
and eat. You must be tired, too. 

MARIE: I feel so sleepy; my feet hurt so much. 

HELEN: Poor child! I feel sorry for you. I’m sure Christkind 
will come because you have been a good girl. 

DICK: I’ll put some more wood on the fire. (Exit Dick, exterior 
door.) 


20 


HELEN: 

Marie? 

MARIE: 

York. 

HELEN: 

MARIE: 

HELEN: 

MARIE: 


Did tLat man in the factory say anything else to you, 
He asked me where papa lived before he came to New 


He didl 

Yes, and I told him in Helena. 

Did he ask your name? {Coughs.) 

Yes, he did. Why do you cough so much, mama? You 
must be awfully sick tonight. I hope Christkind will make you feel 
good again, mama. ( Enter Dick with wood and puts in stove, leaves 
what is over beside stove on floor.) It’s pretty cold, isn’t it, papa? 
(Teeth chatter.) Mama, please give me some more soup. 


DICK: It’s chilly all right, but I think it will be warmer to¬ 
morrow. 

HELEN {cuts bread): Here, dear, eat some bread, too. 

MARIE: Thank you. Gee. this soup is eood! 

HELEN: You may have all you want. (To Dick) Dick, the man 
who gave Marie that money asked where you lived formerly. I 
wonder— {Suddenly) Dick! Do you think it might be your friend 
Edward? {Puts things away from table into cupboard.) 


DICK: What was the man’s name who gave you this money, 
Marie? 

MARIE: I don’t know, papa. He didn’t tell me and I forgot to 
ask him. The name of the factory is the Carroll Soap Company. 

DICK: Oh, it isn’t Ed. If it were, he would have discovered some 
way to find me — But whoever it is, will never know what he did for 
me tonight. 

MARIE {runs to mother) : Oh, mama! I saw thousands of toys 
in the windows tonieht. Dolls and go-carts and sleds and everything. 
Oh, it was so nice. I hope Christkind brings me a doll. Won’t that be 
nice, mama? 

HELEN: You certainly deserve it, Marie. You’ve been a good 
little girl. 

MARIE: I’ll go to bed rieht now. and oh, I’ll be so vlad tomorrow, 
when I see what Christkind brought. But nmma maybe He isn’t 
coming now, ’cause I got a present already. Oh. if He only comes! 
(Runs to Dick , climbs on his knee, looking into his eyes.) Papa, is 
Christkind really coming to-night? 


DICK {with entire change of manner , embracing her): Yes, my 
darling, Christkind is really coming tonight. What would you like 
Him to bring along for you? 

MARIE: I would like to have a little doll. 

DICK: Is that all you want? 

MARIE {goes from Dick's knee): Yes, papa, isn’t that a lot? 

DICK: Christkind knows what you say, my dear. He knows 
everything and I am sure He will not forget you. 

MARIE {running to window): I wish I could see Him, papa! 
{Points to window.) Oh, look, all the nice flowers on the window, 
isn’t that fine? Look mama! 


HELEN: That’s the work of Jack Frost. He’s quite an artist. 
{Cleans off table and moves it to right wall, near entrance. Puts back 
old lamp on same. Dick helps her.) {Helen seats herself left center .) 


21 


MARIE (scraping frost with fingers ): I can’t see through the 
window at all. Does Jack Frost know little Christkind, papa? 

DICK: Oh, yes. Christkind lets him come to the earth in winter, 
and he’s so happy that he paints all these nice flowers on the windows. 
He’s a pretty sly old boy. When you go out into the cold— (pinches 
her nose and ears) he always tries to pinch your nose or bite your 
ears. That’s because he wants to play with you. 

MARIE (impatient with Dick's rough play) : Oh, papa, don’t! 

DICK (going closer to stove): Well, this feels a little better. 

MARIE (stretching): Oh, I’m so tired, mama. I want to say my 
prayers. 

HELEN: All right, come here, my dear. 

MARIE (kneeling at mother's knee): O God! Bless papa, bless 
mamma,—and that good man,—and the whole world. (Rises and kisses 
parents.) Good night! (Exit, bedroom.) 

HELEN: Good night, dear. 

DICK: Good night. 

MARIE (entering from bedroom): Mama, be sure to set up the 
Christmas tree tonight. 

HELEN: I’ll set it up and trim it with candles so Christkind 
will know we expect Him when He sees their light. 

MARIE (gets plate from cupboard and sets on table at rear): Here 
is my plate, mama. (Exit Marie, bedroom.) 

HELEN: All right, my girl. 

DICK (looks yearningly after Marie): God bless the little one. 
This money is a heaven-sent gift. Let us be happy, Helen; Christkind 
has sent it to us. (Smiling.) How else would it have come? 

HELEN: You see, dear, I told you Christkind was coming to¬ 
night, and He really came. 

DICK (tenderly, embracing): Forgive me, Helen. Forgive me 
for what I have said and done. 

HELEN: I do. 

DICK: Now, I will never give up again. I’m going to make a new 
start, and I’ll sell all the papers that are going to be sold by this 
family. You can keep Marie at home and teach her something useful. 

HELEN: Yes, Dick, and I will try to make you happy. 

(Raps heard off exterior entrance.) 

HELEN: That must be the neighbor. 

DICK: Come in! 

(Enter Mrs. Murphy, exterior door.) 

MRS. MURPHY: Mirry Christmas be with ye tonight. Ye looks 
like yez bin enjoyin’ yersilves. 

HELEN: Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. You’re a mighty good judge. 

DICK: Have a chair, Mrs. Murphy. (Offers her chair.) We’re 
going to celebrate tonight. 

MRS. MURPHY: Sure, and ye should, havin’ such a swate child 
to bliss yer home. 

HELEN: Just think, she came home tonight and brought us 
twenty dollars. She got it from some kind-hearted soul in town. 

MRS. MURPHY: Twinty Dollars! Lor’ o’ Mercy, I don’t think 
me old eyes could stand the sight of so much. Sure, ye’ll be wearin’ 
silks and sattins an’ not lookin’ at the likes o’ us. 


22 


DICK: Therms no danger, Mrs. Murphy, we owe much to you, 
and we want you and your husband to come and share it with us. 

MRS. MURPHY: God bless yez all fer it. I knew yer heart 
would be in the right place. Where’s the child? 

HELEN: She’s already in bed. 

MRS. MURPHY: Sure the little angel’s faith in Christkind would 
soft n the heart o’ the hardest. Weil, I must be goin’, or me cookin’ 
Will spoil. 

HELEN: 0 dear, are you still at it, this hour of the night? 

MRS. MURPHY: Sure, the likes of us niver finishes workin’. 

DICK: Be sure and come over tomorrow, Mrs. Murphy. 

MRS. MURPHY: Ye’ll see us, Mr. Reinhardt. I jest bin wantin’ 
to see the child, to give her this hair ribbon. I found it today. (Hands 
■small package to Helen.) Ye give it to her fer me, 

DICK: Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. 

HELEN: She’ll be a happy girl to get that. 

MRS. MURPHY: Faith, and she be deservin’ of it. Well, I must 
be goin’. Mirry Chrstmas to ye. 

DICK and HELEN: Merry Christmas. (Exit Mrs. Murphy, ex¬ 
terior door.) 

HELEN: Isn’t she a dear soul? We must give them something 
tomorrow, f Puts packaqe on table at vear.J 

DICK: You are right, Helen, you always know what’s best. Let’s 
fix the table and celebrate tonight. I’ll get the little Christmas tree. 
Christkind must have a reception. 

HELEN (humming “Silent Night " goes to cupboard and gets clean 
table-cloth): Let me put on this clean table-cloth’ first. {Takes off 
old cloth and puts clean white cloth and box of trimmings on table m 
rear.) (Exit Dick and returns after a half minute with tred on stand 
and puts on table.) 

DICK: Here you are! Doesn’t this look fine? It makes me think 
of home. I’ll bet the folks are enjoying themselves tonight. I should 
have written them. I’ll do it tomorrow- (Takes newspaper and sits 
by stove.) 

HELEN (trimming tree): It’s too bad Grandma Wagner never 
hears from her son Edward. I wonder whatever became of him. How 
long is it now since you and he left home? 

DICK (lights pipe): Oh, it’s a long time ago; about twelve years, 

I guess. We were in a wreck in the Rockies and the end half of the 
freight cars were thrown off the track while the engine was going at 
full speed. Luckily I was in the second car and went ahead with the 
engine, but I think Edward was in one of the back cars and must 
have lost his life when they ran off the track and fell down the em¬ 
bankment into a lake. 

HELEN: Into a lake? 

DICK: Yes, I told you about that, don’t you remember? The,- 
engine came to a stop about a mile from the place and went back, but 
no one was found. 

HELEN: Goodness! Wasn’t that terrible? 

DICK: Yes, I haven’t seen Ed since that time. 

HELEN: I suppose he was killed then. My, I feel sorry for his 
poor old mother. She still thinks he is coming back some day. 


23 


DICK: My sister Kate used to be in love with him, poor girL 
She’s still waiting for him, too. 

HELEN: It’s queer the folks haven’t written us yet. 

DICK: Oh, I think we’ll soon hear from them. They always write 
for Christmas. 

HELEN ( gets a candle on holder from cupboard and lights it): 
I’m going to let this candle burn all night and set it in the window, to 
light the Christ Child on His way. ( Sets candle on table at window.) 

DICK: Just as mother used to do at home. It’s a good old 
custom. ( Noise of approaching footsteps heard off exterior entrance.) 

HELEN ( starting, frightened): Someone is coming up the stairs. 
( Raps heard off exterior entrance.) 

DICK: I wonder who it can be, at this hour. ( Rises and goes to 
door.) Who’s there? 

EDWARD {Outside): It’s your old friend; let me in, please. 
( Dick slowly opens door. Edward Wagner seen in doorway with many 
bundles.) {Wagner entering, stands a moment, says nothing, then 
drops bundles on table at right wall near entrance.) 

DICK {looking at him piercingly a moment ): Edward Wagner? —• 
Edward Wagner! I thought you dead. 

EDWARD: Dick, old fellow, I'm very much alive tonight. {They 
clasp hands and unclasp them.) 

DICK: It’s twelve years since I last saw you. You’ve changed 
so much, I hardly knew you. 

EDWARD {putting out hand): Shake again, old man, I’ve just 
risen from the dead. 

DICK {shaking hands): Come right here and sit down. {Shows 
him to chair near stove.) But meet my wife. Helen, this is my old 
friend Edward Wagner, found at last. 

HELEN: I’m very happy to meet you, Mr. Wagner. Will you 
be seated? Let me have your coat. {Takes same, hangs on hook, right 
wall near entrance.) Dick has told me so much about you. 

EDWARD {seating himself): Thank you very much. It feels 
good to be where our friends are. God knows I haven’t seen a soul 
from home for twelve years. 

DICK: We were just talking about you, Ed. My, but you have 
changed, old pal! How in the world did you ever find this place? I 
never dreamed of seeing you tonight. How did you ever get out of 
that wreck in the mountains? 

EDWARD: My story is quickly told. I was not in the wreck of 
that freight we took in the Rockies. I had a fight with one of the 
crew at the station just this side of where the accident happened; so 
I could not get on again when she pulled out, but stayed there over 
night and took the next one in the morning. 

DICK: Gee, but you were lucky. 

EDWARD: Well, I sure was. After that I worked for a while in 
some of those western towns and saved a little money to go to the 
coast. But things didn’t come just right; so I thought I would try 
the East. And when I came to this city, sure enough, my luck 
changed and I got a good job with the Carroll Soap Company. 

HELEN {surprised): The Carroll Soap Company! 

EDWARD: Yes. I worked my way up from shipping clerk to 


24 


manager and five years ago I bought out Mr. Carroll, who wanted to 
retire. 

DICK: Well, that was pushing yourself ahead, old man. 

HELEN: Isn’t it wonderful. You surely must have worked hard. 

EDWARD: Indeed I did; and I’ll tell you, it took a few years 
from my life. There is a reason for this gray hair. ( Points to his 
temples.) Yes, Dick, I have changed. Anyone would change in such 
a long time. Conditions, too, have changed since I came here. 

DICK: I should say they have. (Pause.) Isn’t it strange, after 
I lost you I came straight to this city because I thought I would find 
you here. You always said you wanted to see New York. Why didn’t 
you look me up sooner? 

EDWARD: I thought, Dick, you had deserted me and gone back 
home. 

DICK (seating himself): Oh, I never would have done that. At 
first when I came here, everything went along fine. I had a good job 
in a shoe factory. The experience I got with father helped me get it. 
Here’s where I met Helen, too, and we were married; and life was 
mighty sweet for awhile. We went home on our honeymoon and saw 
the folks; and say, Ed, they certainly were glad to see us. You should 
have seen how mother hugged the both of us. But there was a dis¬ 
appointment too— (Edward shoios excitement). I don’t like to tell 
you, old pal, but you’ll get to know it anyhow;— your father had died 
since— 

EDWARD (rises, interrupting): Dead! Don’t tell me that Dick. 
Is he really? 

DICK: They told me, his last words were a blessing for you. He 
forgave you everything. 

EDWARD: Dear old father. My God forgive me! How is 
mother? 

DICK: She is still living but she is getting pretty old. She’s 
living with your brother John and waiting for you to come back. 

EDWARD: Poor mother— still waiting for me. (Covers face 
with hands — pause—then suddenly): Dick! we’re going home! 

DICK: Home! 

EDWARD: It was all my fault that you ever left home, Dick; 
I want to make good. That is why I came to see you tonight. And 
oh, I must see dear old mother. 

DICK: My mother is dead. She died three years ago. But let’s 
cheer up, old man, it’s Christmas Eve. Thank God we’re together 
again and lucky enough to be alive. Since I was out of work my wife 
has been continually ailing and we lost all we had ever saved. That’s 
the way it goes. My little girl has been selling papers for the last 
three days. 

EDWARD: Where is she? She was in my office this evening 
and— 

HELEN: So it was you who gave her that money? Oh, thank 
you, Mr. Wagner. 

DICK: Then your concern is the Carroll Soap Company? 

EDWARD (laughing): That’s me. 

DICK: What can I ever do to repay you, Ed, old man? You may 
not know it, but you’ve saved this home from ruin. 


25 


HELEN ( holds up restraining hand, not wishing Edward to 
know) : So that’s how you happened to look us up tonight. 

EDWARD: I did only my duty. I’ve been wrong, I know, but 
I’m a changed man now. When your little girl came to my office and 
told me Christkind was coming, I was myself again. I saw the 
Christmas tree at my old home; I saw mother join in our cheer when 
Christkind had come and left His presents. All those happy childhood 
days came back to me. Something in me changed, and I decided to go 
home again. What fools pride makes of us! I’ve lost many things 
through my stubbornness, Dick. I was a wayward, young fool. I’ve 
lost father, home and the only woman I ever loved—your sister 
Catherine. Though she refused me and in anger I have never written 
to her since we left home— tonight, I feel she did it for my sake. Tm 
going home! And I came, Dick, to take you and your family along. I 
am sure you would like to go. It will cost you nothing. I’m happy to 
be able to do it. 

DICK: But this is too much. 

EDWARD: Dick, I owe it to you. You would not have left home 
had I not coaxed you into it. Now I’m ready to make good. I want 
to see them all again; and most, my dear old mother. But tell me, 
how is Kate, your sister? I hope she hasn’t forgotten me. My sister 
Margaret and she used to be great chums. 

DICK: Margaret is married now; she lives in Chicago. 

EDWARD: You don’t say! I am very anxious to see her. Do 
you know, Dick, I’m getting tired of this lonesome life. 

DICK ( mischievously ): Well, I think Kate still loves you. You 
might have a rival for all I know, old pal, but she often writes about 
you, and has even asked me to And out where you are. 

EDWARD: She has? Now I’ve got to go home! You’re to come 
with me; and Dick, you’ll not be out of a job any longer. 

HELEN: How can we ever repay you, Mr. Wagner? 

EDWARD: You have nothing to repay; don’t thank me, thank 
Christkind. ( Goes to table, unwraps bundles.) 

DICK: Christkind has come all right, Helen. (Takes her arm.) 

EDWARD: Here are some of the things He sent along for you, 
(Shows bundles and big doll.) 

DICK: Well, this beats all. I just feel as if I were a boy again. 

HELEN ( taking doll) : Isn’t this sweet? 

EDWARD: That’S for little Marie. Where is she? 

HELEN: She’s sleeping. Shall I wake her? 

EDWARD: Oh, no. She can see it in the morning. The poor 
child must be tired. She told me in the office that she had been walk¬ 
ing the streets all day. We had better let her sleep. ( Noticing 
Christmas tree.) What a great little tree! ( Puts doll under same.) 

DICK: We were lucky enough to get that from our neighbor. 

HELEN: Look Dick! Here is a new dress for Marie. I don’t 
know how much to thank you, Mr. Wagner. 

EDWARD ( corning forward): It’s all from Christkind. 

DICK {brokenly): I really don’t know what to say to all this. 

EDWARD: Don’t Dick. Let us plan when we’re going to leave 
for home. I am ready any time. How about you? 

DICK: My time is yours, old pal. 

EDWARD: All right. We leave Wednesday; that brings us 


26 


home for the New Year. We’ll send the folks a telegram tonight and 
let them know we all are coming. Say, I’ll bet they’ll be surprised. 
And it all came from Christkind. {Pause.) God bless little Marie. 
She’s an angel. I never saw a sweeter and more innocent looking 
child in my life. 

HELEN: Before she went to bed tonight, she came and knelt at 
my knee and said: “God bless papa, and mamma and that good man.” 
She meant you, Mr. Wagner. 

EDWARD: God bless her . That’s really the dearest thing any 
one ever said about me in this town. 

DICK: Let’s light the candles. ( Lights them.) Do you remem¬ 
ber, Ed, how we used to string popcorn and gild walnuts and make 
chains out of colored paper and hang them on the Christmas tree? 

EDWARD: You bet I do, old man. Those were the happy days. 
Yes, and how we used to set our plates under the tree? 

DICK: And how we used to sing the old Christmas songs? 

EDWARD: Wasn’t it great! Those days will never be forgotten. 
And how your father played his violin— Do you remember, Dick, all 
the things mother used to make for Christmas? There were the pies, 
and the cakes, and the cookies, and fried cakes, And what an appetite 
we had? It makes me happy when I think of it. 

DICK: Say, weren’t those good times! Gee, but it’ll be great to 
be home again. 

EDWARD: You bet it will. We must send them a telegram to¬ 
night. 

DICK: Send it to my father as if it were coming from me. He 
is always at John’s house on Christmas eve. It might be too much of 
a surprise for your mother, Ed. 

EDWARD: That’s right. {Looks at watch.) Our time is two 
hours ahead of theirs; so you see, they will get it tonight. We’ll tell 
them we will be home in a week. We can’t make it any sooner because 
I must arrange things at the office before I go. Does that suit you, 
Dick? 

DICK: Just fine! Say, I’ll bet it will be the greatest surprise of 
their lives. {Bells are heard without. All shout “Merry Christmas ” 
and go to window.) 

HELEN {Draws up curtain or opens window. Bells are heard 
louder.) {After looking down)'. The City of Fire. All the streets 
are decked with lights. {Looks up.) But look, above the high build¬ 
ings and spires see, the boundless blue valley of heaven. It is full of 
twinkling stars. They are shining like legions of angels singing for¬ 
ever “Glory to God on high and peace on earth to men of good will.” 

DICK: How peaceful the world has become. There is a change 
in its whole appearance. 

HELEN: It is because the Christ Child is here, The Prince of 
Peace, Whose Love has caused this magic change. 

DICK: And hear those bells! 

EDWARD: The bells of the mid-night mass. Those grand old 
bells. They have rung every Christmas night for these twelve years, 
but my heart has been too hard, to hear their glorious sound. Come, 
Dick, let us go to the midnight mass. {Bells and music come to slow 
stop.) 

{Words about midnight mass bells may be left out if desired. In 


27 


that case have chimes strike twelve, and after Helen says “It is be¬ 
cause the Christ Child is here," etc., Edward should say “Dick, my 
heart yearns for the folks at home. Let us go and send that telegram." 
Dick answers “All right, Ed, we'll go at once." Edward says “Good 
night, Mrs. Reinhardt," etc.) 

DICK: All right, Ed, we’ll go at once. 

EDWARD ( after a pause): Good-night, Mrs. Reinhardt. (Shakes 
hands.) I will see you tomorrow. 

HELEN: Good night, Mr. Wagner. (Goes to door with him.) 

EDWARD: It’s pretty cold tonight. 

DICK: Yes, but I don’t mind the cold when I’m with you, old 
man. 

EDWARD: My chauffeur is waiting below. I hope he has kept 
the car warm. 

DICK (putting on overcoat): Well, good night,. Helen. (Exit 

Edward and Dick, exterior door.) 

HELEN: Good night. (Closes door, looks at tree for moment 
and hums “Adeste Fidelis." Hangs small picture of Christkind on tip. 
Then goes to table at right wall, takes things Edward brought and 
puts them beneath tree and blows out the candle lights. Goes back 
and'sits down at table, turns lamp low, drops head on arms, lights out. 
Music very softly, “Silent Night") 

VISION: (Angels seen peeping through window. Exterior door 
is opened by leader angel, who stands guard at same. Six angels 
enter drawing golden sleigh on which Christkind is seated; spot-light 
from left door on Christkind. Angels draw sleigh to center and drill 
aroundl same. Christkind hands each some toys, candy and nuts, which 
they put on Marie's plate on table near window. All drill around 
sleigh again, take their places and draw it out same door. Door closed 
again by leader angel. After vision Helen starts at entrance of Marie, 
when she says “Mama" second time.) (If necessary, vision may be 
left out. In that case have music cease on entrance of Marie.) 

MARIE (Enters in white night gown from bedroom door.) (Ex¬ 
citedly hopping) : Oh, mamma, mamma! I had such a beautiful 
dream. I saw Christkind. He was right here in this room and he 
brought me a great big doll. Oh, it was so nice. 

HELEN (Rises, looks around half asleep, then goes to Christmas 
tree hurriedly) : Come here, my child. Yes, Christkind was really 
here — (suddenly) and this is your doll. Isn’t it beautiful! (Lights 
candles on tree.) 

MARIE (runs to table): Oh, mama! (Takes doll.) Gee, Christ- 
kind was good to me. Look, she opens and closes her eyes. When¬ 
ever I lay her down, she goes to sleep. Isn’t that fine, mama? (Puts 
■ doll back in place.) 

HELEN: And here’s a new dress for you, my dear, that will keep 
you warm. 

MARIE (takes it and examines): A new dress! Oh, I’m so 
glad. (Hops about, puts dress down, takes doll again, look at tree.) 
Look, all the candles on the Christmas tree. They light like the little 
stars, don’t they, mama? And there is Christkind’s picture right on 
the tip. (Looking up, doll in arms.) I love you, little Christkind. 


CURTAIN. 


ACT THREE 


Scene: Living room in home of John Wagner, mayor of Helena, Mont. 
Time: New Year's Eve. 


(Discovering Grandpa Reinhardt playing the violin, Gertrude 
Wagner at the piano. John Wagner and Catherine Reinhardt sing 
u Silent Night," or if better suited, have John and Gertrude sing and 
Catherine play. Children stand about Christmas tree in admiration. 
Grandma seated at fireplace tries to hide her tears. No lights, except 
on Christmas tree. Glow of fireplace on Grandma.) 

{When music ceases Kate goes to Grandma sympathetically and 
gently puts arm around her shoulder. Grandpa sits in his chair by 
fireplace after leaving his violin on the piano.) 

GERTRUDE (rises): Come children, it is getting late. You must 
be going to bed. 

GEORGE: Please, mother! Let us stay up until the New Year. 

ALL CHILDREN: Please, mother! 

GRANDPA: Let them stay up a little longer. ( Gertrude smiles 
and nods consent.) Christkind was very good to you children. 

GEORGE - (Going to Grandpa. Others croicd around): Papa told 
Christkind I wanted a sled and some skates and a rocking horse. 

ALFRED: And I got a steam engine and an aeroplane, Grandpa. 

ROSE: And I got a big doll that can close her eyes, and a bed, 
and I’d like to have a go-cart to wheel her around. 

ALFRED and GEORGE (speaking together): Alfred—I’m going 
to make my aeroplane fly over the house. George—Wait till you see 
me race the kids around here! 

ROSE: And we got lots of candy too— 

ALFRED: And walnuts and ice cream— 

ROSE: And cake and cookies— 

GEORGE: And a Christmas goose;—and I had a stomachache— 

GRANDPA (holding up hands): Not so fast! Not so fast! I 
don’t think Christkind had much left when he got away from this 
house! 

ROSE: Oh, yes, Grandpa, He had lots and lots. 

GEORGE: And papa told us stories about Christmas. 

ALFRED: Grandpa, you tell us a story, will you please? 

ROSE: Oh, yes, Grandpa, please tell us a story. 

GEORGE: Please, Grandpa. 

GRANDPA: Well, all right, children. I’ll tell you the story of 
the first Christmas tree. (Soft music.) Long, long ago, in the village 
of Bethlehem, when little Christkind lay in the manger, not only the 
angels rejoiced and the shepherds, but also the oxen and the sheep in 
the stable and all the trees in the forest. There were three which 
stood near the crib, the palm, the olive and the pine. They saw how 
each of the three kings gave the Christ Child some presents, so they 


29 




wanted to give something too. The palm tree said: “I will choose my 
most beautiful leaf and place a fan over the head of the infant.” 
“And I,” said the olive, “will sprinkle my oil upon Him and annoint 
Him King.” “But what can I give the Child?” asked the humble pine. 
“You,” said the others, “have nothing to offer. Your sap is too sticky 
and your needles would hurt him.” The poor little pine tree became 
very sad. “You are right,” it said, “I have nothing to give Him.” But 
near it stood an angel who heard what had been said and felt sorry for 
the poor pine tree, so he took his golden necklace and hung it about 
the tree and made it look so bright and beautiful, that the others be¬ 
came envious. And when little Christkind awoke, He smiled to see 
that the pine tree was so nicely trimmed for Him. Now, every year, 
we trim the pine tree for Christkind. When He comes, He is glad, 
because seeing it, He knows we await Him. ( Short pause.) And now, 
children, I must hear you sing one of your Christmas songs again. 

(For music during above speech , the German “Ihr Kinderlein Kommet,” 
followed by “0 Du Liebes Jesukind ” is desirable.) 

JOHN: Yes, Gertrude, you play for them. ( Gertrude sits at piano 
and plays softly “Christmas Evening Now Is Here." Children take 
places about tree.) All right, now sing your song, children. 

ROSE: What shall we sing? 

GRANDPA: Let them sing “Christmas Evening Now Is Here.” 

ALFRED: All right. ( Starts to dance and sings. Rose and 
George follow immediately.) (Music.) 




Let us glad and happy be, 

Dancing ’round the Christmas tree. 
Merry, merry let us cheer, 

Christmas evening now is here! 
Christmas evening now is here! 


Set your plates beneath the tree, 
Christkind sure will come to see. 
Merry, merry let us cheer, 

Christmas evening now is here! 
Christmas evening now is here! 


(All applaud and children stand arm in arm. Do not make it appear 
as if they were addressing audience.) 


Merry Christmas to you all, 

Everyone both big and small, 
Mother don’t forget to call, 


30 

































Merry Christmas to you all, 

Merry Christmas to you all. 

(All applaud. Wind heard icithout.) 

GERTRUDE: My, it is still storming! 

GRANDPA: Is Margaret and her husband coming tomorrow? 

JOHN: No, not until later. The terrible storms during the last 
week have kept her from coming. Until yesterday, all the trains were 
delayed. Across.the mountains the wires have been down for a week. 

KATE: Think of the many poor people who must suffer in these 
dreadful storms. I wish I could take all their cares away. 

JOHN: Yes, Kate, to help the poor is the rich man’s first duty. 

GRANDPA: I wonder why we haven’t heard from Dick. He us¬ 
ually writes a nice long letter for Christmas. 

KATE: I wonder if they have received our presents. 

GRANDPA: It looks as if there were something wrong. 

GRANDMA: You told me the last time he wrote Helen was sick 
and he was out of work. I wonder how little Marie is. 

KATE: We have never seen her. I hope they all will come some 

day. 

GRANDPA: It seems strange. He was getting along fine for a 
while after he visited us with his wife. 

KATE: Father became alarmed and sent a telegram the day after 
Christmas, but could not get it over the wires. 

JOHN: Didn’t they get it off yet? 

GRANDPA: They got connections this afternoon. 

GERTRUDE: It certainly did storm Christmas Eve. 

JOHN: It is hard on the children. They have been indoors most 
of the week. 

KATE ( looking out of window ): The snow is getting deeper and 
I think the wind is dying down somewhat. It looks so nice outside. 

GRANDPA: Yes, when you are inside. 

KATE: You can see the light in the houses gleam through it all. 
It’s a beautiful night. 

GRANDPA: Regular New Year’s weather. 

JOHN: I suppose we’ll hear of some more avanlanches sweeping 
down the mountains, and of some more wrecks on the railroads. 

GRANDPA: That is what happened to Dick and Edward. It’s 
nearly twelve years ago. ( Grandma half rises. Kate turns and looks 
out of the window.) Forgive me, mother, for mentioning it. 

JOHN: Just think, we have been neighbors all these years. ( Goes 
over to Grandma who tries to hide her tears.) There, mother, do not 
take it so hard. 

GRANDMA: It has been my one thought for years. I feel so 
lonely tonight. If Edward were only here I might be happy. I think 
we did not understand Edward then. How I have prayed for that boy 
to come back—but I know God does what is best for us. 

GRANDPA: Yes, mother, we must all have our troubles,'it seems. 
(Looks at her sympathetically.) But if Edward is still alive he will be 
back some day; and when he comes, I’ll bet he will have made a man 
of himself and we will love him all the more for it. 

GRANDMA (rises): I have hoped for that all these long, long 
years,—but Christkind will bring him back some day. (Goes toward 
dining room, R 3.) 


31 


ROSE ( naively going to Grandma ): I know what Grandma can 
give us. 

GRANDMA: What, dear? 

ROSE: A piece of cake. 

ALFRED and GEORGE: ( crowding around Grandvia) : Please, 
Grandma. ( Grandma looks inquiringly at Gertrude who smiles and 
nods approval.) 

(Exit Grandma with children to dining room.) 

ROSE ( In going out): With raisins, Grandma— 

ALFRED ( In going out):. And frosting on top— 

GEORGE (In going out): I like you, Grandma. (Voice lost in 
dining room.) 

GRANDPA (Filling corncob pipe): Ah, the children! How much 
trouble they make and yet what would we do without them! 

JOHN: Poor Mother. I wish she might forget about Edward. X 
sometimes think he must have been killed. Dick thinks so. (Looks 
sympathetically at Kate who all this time has been looking out of win¬ 
dow.) And mother is not the only one who has suffered all these 
years. 

KATE (turns from window, comes down somewhat): Please don’t, 
John. (Crosses to piano, plays a few bars of soft music during which 
Grandpa smokes and gazes into the fire.) 

GRANDPA: Well, let us be happy. This is New Year’s Eve. For¬ 
get your troubles and begin the New Year with a happy heart. 

(Door bell rings. Music stops. Enter servant from dining room.) 
GERTRUDE: What’s that, I wonder. 

SERVANT (to herself): My vat ist, so late? 

JOHN: We’ll soon find out. 

(Servant goes to hall, turns on light, and opens exterior door.) 
TELEGRAPH MESSENGER (Seen in doorway covered with snow. 
White frozen mark on tip of nose. Takes off cap from which snow falls. 
In low voice): Does Mr. John Wagner live here? 

SERVANT: Yes, mister, vat ist? 

MESSENGER: Here’s a telegram for him, delayed on account of 
wires. Charges paid. (Gives telegram to servant.) 

SERVANT: Kum inside undt varm yousself a little bit, mister. 
(Noting white mark on messenger's nose.) Ooh! your nose ist frosen; 
quick mit sum shnow on it. 

(Exit messenger, exterior door, for a moment and returns holding arti¬ 
ficial or natural snow on his nose. Steps in. Closes door.) 
SERVANT (hands telegram to John): Telekram, Mister Wagner. 
Kudn’t kum kvicker bekos da vires ist busted. (To herself.) Ach, now 
I wunder vat hes heppened. 

JOHN: A telegram? 

GERTRUDE: Who could have sent it. 

JOHN (handing servant tip): Here Mena. Give this to the boy 
and wish him a Happy New Year. 

SERVANT (goes to Messenger. Hands him tip.): Mister Wagner 
ses dis ist for yous, undt Heppy New Year. 

MESSENGER (joyously exclaims): Thanks; same to you all. 
(Exit, exterior door.) 

SERVANT (Turns out hall light. Going back to dining room.) 
Dot poor boy. (Exit.) 


32 


JOHN ( opens telegram and after looking at it): Here, Grandpa, 
this is for you. ( Hands to Grandpa.) 

GRANDPA: For me? ( Looking at it.) Why it’s from New York, 
from Dick. 

KATE: Dick! Is it really! I hope nothing has happened. 
GRANDPA ( reading it through hurriedly, then aloud, reads ): 
Dear Father and Kate and all the Wagners, Merry Christmas. I have 
some good news for you. Tonight Edward Wagner came to see us. 
(Kate half rises, Gertrude goes to her, puts arm around her shoulder.) 
JOHN: Ed., alive! 

GRANDPA (reading): “We have all decided to come home. Will 
leave New York about Wednesday. Expect to be home New Year’s Eve. 
Break the news gently to Edward’s mother. Edward sends a Merry 
Christmas to all, especially to her. Yours affectionate son, Dick.” 

JOHN: Poor mother! This will be the happiest New Year of her 
life. (Pause.) Grandpa Reinhardt, you have known each other all 
your lives, will you break the news to her? 

GRANDPA (greatly moved): Yes, John; and it will be the most 
blessed thing I’ve done in my life. But let me do it in my own way. 
GERTRUDE: I wonder how it happened that they met. 

KATE: He must certainly be a changed man. (Tears of gladness.) 
JOHN: Probably Edward was in New York all the time and didn’t 
know Dick was there. 

GRANDPA: Ah ha, ah ha, Kate, now you had better take care. 
(All laugh.) 

GERTRUDE: It’s queer they met just on Christmas Eve, isn’t it? 
GRANDPA: This telegram was sent at 12 j 10 a. m. Christmas. They 
are coming tonight. They ought to be here now. Where is Grandma? 
What is she doing? (Goes to Kate, puts arm around her and talks in 
low tones to her. Kate smiles at him through her tears.) 

KATE: She’s with the children. 

GERTRUDE: How she loves the little ones. And she’s so happy 
when she can give them something. 

JOHN: We must also let Margaret know he is coming. She might 
be able to come sooner. (To John.) Dick mentions Edward alone. 

GRANDPA (Lights his pipe.) (Kate, aloud, mischievously look¬ 
ing at others.) I don’t see how a man could be in New York all this 
time without getting married! (Wind without.) 

KATE (reproachfully): Father! 

(All laugh hut stop suddenly when Grandma enters. Kate 
goes and helps her to her seat near the fire. John and Ger¬ 
trude look at Grandpa meaningly then at Grandma. Kate 
stands near Grandma's chair. Grandpa goes to his chair, puffs 
at pipe. All show nervous excitement except Grandma and 
Grandpa. Wind without.) 

GRANDMA: Just hear that wind howl. Isn’t it comfortable to 
sit by this warm fire! 

GRANDPA: Yes, Mother Wagner. This is a blessing that we all 
can enjoy; to sit by a nice warm fire on a cold night and smoke a pipe 
as sweet as a nut. (Laughs.) There is nothing like‘the good old corn 
cob after all. When I think of all the trouble it has carried me 
through, I do not mind the New Years as they come and go. 

GRANDMA: Yes, we are growing old. Do you remember the 


33i 


happy days when we were in our teens? 

GRANDPA: I remember when you first met Carl. He was a 
handsome man. I often envied him. 

GRANDMA: Often I think of the happy days when we all were 
together. Carl could tell so many nice stories of the old country and 
of the time he served in the army. 

GRANDPA: I still have the old pipe he won for markmanship. 
It reaches down to the floor when I smoke it. ( Roguishly.) Yes, Carl 
was a great story teller. He told me many a story, I can tell you! 
How many things have changed since then! 

GRANDMA: You and Mary had no easy time of it. I believe that 
is what took her away from us so soon. I know it was all this trouble 
that took my Carl. 

GRANDPA: Through our greatest sorrows come our greatest 
joys, mother. You have waited so long for your joy. Could you bear 
it if it were to come? 

GRANDMA: With God’s help, as I have borne the sorrows! 

GRANDPA: Then this is one of the happiest moments of my 
life, as it will be of yours. ( Grandma looks startled.) Mother, while 
you were with the children, I received a telegram from New York, from 
Dick. They are all well and are coming home. But there was better 
news—news for you, mother—happy news-—and may the good God help 
you to bear the happiness when I tell you that your son Edward is 
alive, that he is coming ^home—that they will all be here—tonight. 
(Note: Give the speech slowly, with good pauses, in gentle tone.) 

(Grandma rises, presses hand to heart. Kate puts arm around her 
shoulder, pats it. Short pause. Children enter arguing.) 

ROSE: He did too. 

GEORGE: He did not. 

ALFRED: No, he didn’t, sister. 

ROSE {going up to Grandpa): Grandpa Reinhardt, didn’t uncle 
Dick write to you for Christmas? 

GRANDPA: The finest letter in the world, and it came over the 
telegraph. We just got it tonight, and he and Marie and her mother 
are coming home tonight. 

ROSE {going to Grandma): Are they, Grandma? 

GRANDMA {Clasps Rose tightly to her, smiling through tears): 
Yes, dear, and Uncle Edward, whom you have never seen, is coming 
too, tonight. 

ALFRED and GEORGE: {running up to Grandma): Our Uncle 
Edward? 

GRANDMA: Yes, dears. 

{All together, dancing joyously and clapping hands: Goody! Goody!) 

ROSE: Papa, may we light up the Christmas tree? 

JOHN: Yes, you may. {Rose turns on electric lights on tree.) 
{Some other lights out.) 

GRANDPA: Be careful, youngsters, I have put on some misteh 
toe in this room. You will never find it, but 1 know where it is. 

GEORGE: I know, too, Grandpa. 

ROSE: Gee, they’ll be surprised. I’m anxious to see little Marie. 
I’ll show her all I got from Christkind. 

ALFRED: Edward is Aunt Kate’s big uncle, too, isn’t he Grand- 


34 


pa? (Kate blushes, Grandpa laughs out-right, the grown-ups also 
laugh.) 

GRANDPA: No, he’s your big uncle. You must be very good to 

him. 

GEORGE: I’ll kiss him if he gets under the mistletoe; and uncle 
Richard, too. 

ALFRED: I’ll kiss little Marie! I wonder what she got from 
Christkind. (Goes to Grandpa's chair.) 

GRANDPA ( jovially ): You may kiss them all. 

GRANDMA: You all must sing your Christmas song, too. (Sits 
on chair under chandelier near center and looks at toys). 

GEORGE 1 (runs up and kisses Grandma ): You’re under the mis¬ 
tletoe, Grandma, yes you are. (Grandma laughs, rises and seats her¬ 
self in chair by fireplace.) 

GRANDPA (laughing heartily): I believe you got under on pur¬ 
pose. 

GRANDMA (with mock indignation): I never did; I didn’t know 
where it was. 

GRANDPA: Well, aren’t you glad? 

GRANDMA (looks at him gratefully): Yes, Henry, I am happier 
tonight than I ever have hoped to be. (Sleigh bells heard without.) 
ROSE (joyously): They’re coming! They’re coming! 
GRANDMA: I think I hear them. (Children rush to window. 
Voices and laughter heard without.) 

CHILDREN: Here they are! Here they are! (Run out of door. 
John lights hall light and he and Gertrude go out with them. Grand¬ 
pa and Grandma rise. Kate sits at piano. Wind heard without. En¬ 
ter servant from dining room. Goes to hall. All enter shoiiting Hello! 
How are you? etc. Servant, John and Gertrude help them take off 
wraps which they leave in hall. Edward may be heard saying, “How is 
mother f” in meanwhile.) 

GRANDMA: My dearest hope come true at last. 

GRANDPA: What a happy home coming. 

KATE: I can hardly believe it even now. 

(Enter crowd, living room. First children, John, Gertrude, Edward , 
Richard, Marie, and Helen.) 

EDWARD: Mother! 

GRANDMA (holding out her arms): Edward! My son! (Ed¬ 
ward runs to her. kisses her hungrily and holds her in long embrace, 
then helps her to chair. In meanwhile Richard has gone to Grandpa. 
Helen and Marie to Kate who kisses both and fondles Marie. Children 
talk together excitedly in low tone. John and Gertrude look on. Serv¬ 
ant turns out hall light. Exit to dining room.) 

POSITIONS 

GRANDPA 

DICK 

GERTRUDE 

JOHN, CHILDREN GRANDMA EDWARD 

HELEN 

MARIE, CATHERINE 

Right FRONT OF STAGE Left 

RICHARD: Father! (Grasps his hand. Grandpa pats him on 


35 


the back.) Gee, I’m glad to see you again; it certainly seems good to 
be back home. 

GRANDPA: How are you, my boy?. (They talk for a few seconds 
in low tone, then Dick turns to Grandma. Edward comes down to Kate 
who offers her hand. He grasps it with both his own and looks ap - 
pealingly into her eyes. Kate drops eyes.) 

EDWARD: Kate! (They stand for some moments in this posi- 
tion, neither speaking.) 

DICK (going to Grandma. Takes both her hands): And Grand¬ 
ma! I’ve brought him back—Christkind and I. 

GRANDMA: God bless you, Dick. 

(Helen and Marie go to Grandpa.) 

HELEN {to Grandpa): Father! (Grandpa kisses her.) 

GRANDPA {to Marie): And little Marie. (Takes her up and 
fondles.) Hello, little girl! {Children crowd up near Grandpa and 
Marie.) 

MARIE: Hello, Grandpa, I’m very glad to see you. {Turning to¬ 
ward Grandma.) Hello Grandma! 

POSITIONS 

GERTRUDE, JOHN AND CHILDREN EDWARD. KATE 
GRANDPA, HELEN, MARIE GRANDMA, DICK 

Right FRONT OF STAGE Left 

{Dick comes down to Kate while Edward goes to Grandpa and Helen to 
Grandma whom she kisses and speaks to in undertone. > 

DICK: Hello, big sister Kate! {Takes her in his arms and gives 
her a resounding kiss. Kate protests putting her hand over Dick's 
mouth.) 

EDWARD: And Grandpa! {Shake hands affectionately.) You 
still look as young and happy as you did twelve years ago. 

GRANDPA: Thank you, Edward. {They speak in undertone.) 

KATE {to Dick): I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you, 
Dick. 

DICK {in lower tone): To see only me? {Kate blushes. Dick 
laughs softly and says a few words meaningly in undertone. The idea 
to be conveyed is that Edward is still unmarried," then Dick goes over 
to John, Gertrude and the Children, while Helen comes down and talks 
to Kate, putting arm about Kate's shoulder.) 

EDWARD {to Grandpa and John): How you have all changed. 
Everything is so different, even in the town. I suppose that’s since 
John is Mayor. 

JOHN: Yes, Ed.; when one has been gone for twelve years, a lot 
of things change. But mother is still the same to all. 

EDWARD {goes to Grandma, puts arm around her shoulder): 
Yes, John, Mother’s love will never change! 

GRANDMA: Thank heaven you are here, my boy. I have prayed 
for this every day and I had almost given up hopes, but God is good, 
my boy. God is good. 

EDWARD: Really, I cannot say how haopy I am to be at home 
again, mother. What can I do to make you happy? All that I have 
belongs to you. 

GRANDMA: Edward, my boy, you are, the greatest gift that 
Christkind could have given me. 


36 


DICK: Gee, but it feels great to be borne again. 

GRANDPA: Yes, Dick, and thanks to Christkind, who has re¬ 
united us all. You are still our little boys, only grown up. 

DICK: I didn’t think we would get here tonight. The trains are 
all late. Did you get our telegram? 

GRANDPA: Got it tonight, just before you came. The wires 
here have been down for a week, and the weather was the worst ever 
seen. I sent you a telegram the day after Christmas, but they did not 
get it off till this afternoon. 

DICK: You sent a telegram? Why? Did something happen? 

GRANDPA: Oh, no, nothing serious happened here, but I thought 
something had happened to you because you did not write to us. 

DICK: Yes, father, many things have happened. I’ll tell you all 
about it later. But everything is alright again. Christkind has made 
us all happy. 

HELEN: It’s a wonder we arrived here at all. The snow is so 
high, I don’t see how we ever got through. ( Marie talks to Grandma. 
Kate goes to fireplace. Edioard follows her and they talk in undertone.) 

GERTRUDE: You must be tired, Helen. We will have lunch as 
soon as the New Year comes in. 

HELEN: Oh, I’m not tired; I’ve had plenty of sleep on the train. 

JOHN: They must be running on a new system then. 

HELEN: Yes, and besides the scenery is wonderful. The Rockies 
are a grand sight. We saw them by moonlight and their snowy peaks 
sparkled as if they were diamonds. I’ve never seen this part of the 
country in winter time. It is beautiful, and the trip was most delight¬ 
ful. 

EDWARD: We would have stopped at Chicago to see Margaret, 
but I wanted to be home tonight. 

JOHN: We expect Margaret in a few days. She’s coming with 
her husband. 

DICK: What a beautiful tree! 

GRANDMA {to children ): Come here, children. Marie, this is 
Alfred, and George and Rose. They will play with you. 

MARIE: Papa and mama told me lots about you all! What did 
you get from Christkind? 

GEORGE ( takes Marie hy arm, leads her to tree. Excitedly ): I 
got a sled and some skates and a rocking horse. 

{All children follow to tree.) 

ALFRED: And I got a steam engine and an aeroplane. 

ROSE: And I got a big doll, that can close her eyes, and a bed. 

ROSE, GEORGE 'and ALFRED {speaking together excitedly) : 
Rose: And we got candy and cake-^ GEORGE: — and walnuts and 
ice cream — ALFRED: — and a Christmas goose, and I had a stom¬ 
achache — 

{Children pause, out of hreath—short pause.) 

MARIE: Gee! I guess you kids never had to live in New York. 
{All the grown-ups laugh. Chimes strike twelve; sounds without, shots , 
hells, whistles, etc. All shout “Happy New Year.”) 

JOHN: Let’s go out and hear it. Out this way. You can hear it 
better out here. {Exit John, dining room. All follow except Kate, 
seated at fireplace, and Edward standing, looking into fireplace. Grand- 


37 


pa leaving last. Edward goes to French windows. Gertrude turns out 
lights on tree. Other lights out.) 

GRANDPA: Be careful now, children, there’s some mistletoe in 
this house. {Exit Grandpa, dining room.) {Short pause.) 

EDWARD {After listening for awhile at window returns to Kate.) 
Kate! {Kate rises, drops eyes.) You hear those bells ringing in the 
New Year. I wonder what it has in store for us. I have been gone 
long, I know, Kate, but I have never forgotten you. It has been a 
hard struggle for me. I have fought it out alone, but I can do it no 
longer. {Coming somewhat closer.) I want someone to help me, Kate. 
I want to begin a new life. I feel that after all these lohg sad years 
we might be happy still. Christkind has brought me back to you, 
Kate, and there is only one thing lacking to make me entirely happy 
tonight—happier than I deserve—Kate {Taking both her hands, speaks 
tenderly.) Will you be my wife? {Kate smiles up into his face hap¬ 
pily, and embraces him.) 

KATE: Edward! 

CURTAIN, 



5 $ 


\ 


GRANDPA’S CHRISTMAS STORY, 

The gentle flakes of winter’s earliest snow 
Fall down from heaven silently and slow; 

I hear the whistles of the factories blow 
And from their toils the tired laborers go 
Homeward, all home, and darkness hovers low. 

Sweet memories of home they bring to me 
And of the little village and the lea 
Which I, to set my restless spirit free, 

Left long ago and set sail hopefully 
On the same ship my father sailed the sea. 

Since then full many a year has rolled away, 

But I remember well the happy day 
That brought me home again. Our vessel lay 
At anchor in the harbor of this bay 
Where we unloaded, having come to stay. 

It was the eve of Christmas,—Happily 
The children’s voices echoed o’er the lea; 

The snow was slowly falling, — I could see 
The light within the houses from the sea, 

And people carrying home their Christmas tree. 

Then came the ringing of the evening bell 
Through the still air, of old the same sweet knell 
Telling the day is done and all is well; 

And holy peace and happiness, — a spell 
Came over me that I could never tell. 

Then all the wicked world looked good and kind 
And dreams of heaven entered in my mind; 

I never thought such happiness to find, 

But He who helps the feeble and the blind 
Had come again, the Savior of Mankind. 

And all my homesick heart did wander home 
For it to me into a world had grown, — 

The ocean told me in its mournful moan: 

In every life there is a time to roam, 

But Christmas is the time to be at home. 

So when the work was ended and the day 
Had died in darkness, I was on the way 
Which led me homeward to my mother. Gray 


39 



And feeble was she now, and I did say 
This time, dear mother, I have come to stay. 

Then tears of gladness filled her loving eyes, 

She clasped her hands about me in surprise 
And love that I could never realize, 

And called a blessing on me from the skies; 

And sure a mother’s blessing never dies. 

And father too, a seaman stout and strong, 

Pressed my cold hand in his and held it long; 

His hair had turned snow-white since I had gone, 
Yet he and mother joined the Christmas song 
And so we whiled the happy hours along. 

This is the village, but how changed the sight; 

See how the spires stretch their giddy height, 
How the big buildings glare with grandeur bright, 
Yet from the dwellings gleams a kindlier light,— 
Let us go home, this is the holy night. 


MAXIMS. 

KIND WORDS. 

As the gentle drops of water 
Wear away the hardest stone, 

So the tender words of kindness 
Wear away the hardest heart. 

THE FOOL. 

’Tis only a fool who offers his health 
For the sake of pleasure, fame or wealth —* 
The wise man knows when to relent, 

But the fool will stay till his life is spent. 

LIVE. 

Live your life! Laugh your laugh! 

Love your love! Sing your song! 

The world will still go on 
When you are gone. 


A FIRESIDE DREAM. 

I sat by the fading fire 
When the flame was burning low, 
And the night wind was a-sighing 
Till it made the embers glow. 

I heard the solemn ticking 
Of the melancholy clock, 


40 




And the little restless clicking 
Of the key within the lock. 

For the cold north wind was knocking 
At the door to let him in, 

While the fire on the hearth-stone 
Was growing very dim. 

I watched the spark expire. 

And leave me alone in the dark— 

And the frozen panes of the windows 
Looked at me grim and stark. 

Then I thought of my love, departed 
To her home in eternity, 

And in my enchanted fancy 
Her image I could see. 

Fair as the pure white lily, 

Or the well-kept lamb of the fold: 

It carried away all my troubles, 

And made me forget of the cold. 

For her heart was as warm as the fire, 

And her eyes were as bright as its light; 

But the spark of that life expired 
And left me alone in the night. 

And I saw the dull gray ashes 
Had covered the coals that glow’d, 

As on my head growing aged 
The ashes of age now show’d. 

Though our life be like the fire, 

That kindles and burns and dies. 

Yet in the minds of our loved ones 
Our image still survives. 


A DREAM OF ST. NICHOLAS. 

FOR DECEMBER SIXTH. 

It was the eve of St. Nicholas, 

Full many a winter ago, 

And on the dining-room table 
We had set our plates in a row. 

The old clock was solemnly ticking— 

It seemed altogether too slow, 

For we were expecting St. Nicholas, 

And that is the cause, you might know. 

Without the cold north wind was blowing 
And wailing' so mournful and low, 


41 



And the silvery moonlight was shining 
On the cold and hard-frozen snow. 

But we were warm in our blankets, 

Filled with sweet thoughts of delight, 

When Sleep came and closed our eyelids 
And shut all the world from our sight. 

I had a most wonderful vision, 

In a beautiful dream that night— 

I saw the home of St. Nicholas 
In the starry valley of light. 

He was just leaving his dwelling 
In a silver sleigh shining bright,— 

And, giving a sign to his reindeers, 

They started at once on their flight. 

The happy children were singing 
And playing in paradise, 

While St. Nicholas, fast as the lightning, 

Went down to the earth through the skies. 

Wherever he found some good children, 

He put candy and nuts on each plate, 

And when he had finished his journey 
He hastened back home to the gate. 

When he was again up in heaven, 

And his reindeers were put in their barn. 

He showed God the names of the children, 

In two books he had under his arm. 

These children are working for Christmas 
And helping to make people glad, 

But here in this book, I am sorry, 

Are written the names of the bad. 

The names of the good were all golden, 

But black were the names of the bad; 

Oh! I thought that mine was among them, 

And it made my heart feel so sad. 

But when I awoke from my dreaming, 

A wonderful sight met my eyes; 

When I came down the stairs that bright morning, 
I shouted aloud in surprise. 

For there stood our plates on the table, 

And everyone filled to a heap 
With candy and nuts and some playthings— 

That for joy we all had to leap. 

Since that time, I tell you, my children, 

A mighty good boy 1 have been; 

My name will sure go in the Good Book 
When St. Nicholas comes ’round again. 


42 


MOTHER’S DAY 

BY HELEN M. LETHERT. 

This day, of all in memory’s fondest gleaning, 
Brings thoughts of you, and of the bygone days. 
Your tender love, unselfish, ever gleaming, 

Your sympathy will ease the heart always. 

Your cheerful words make care and duties lighter, 
Your happy spirit makes the world look brighter. 

Your noble life gives to the home a meaning. 
Your influence remains, though youth may roam. 
The sick and lonely child to you is leaning, 

A thought of mother brings the wayward home. 
The heavy heart finds solace in no other 
As in the sweet, inspiring name of MOTHER. 


WHEN MOTHER IS ABOUT. 

Life is so sweet, and so complete 
When mother is about; 

There is Someone who loves you true, 
Consoles you and carresses you, 

Though all the world oppresses you, 
Dear mother still she blesses you. 

When you have toiled the live long day 
And homeward then you wend your way. 
How happy is your heart to find 
A mother’s face so sweet and kind. 

Her loving smile, her gentle kiss. 

Ah mother dear what bliss is this! 
What true harmonious perfect peace 
That all too soon must die and cease. 

For when her place is vacant 
Oh what a change to meet! 

Your heart sneaks out with sadness 
“No mother there to greet.” 

No joy or grief to share with her, 

So lovely and so sweet; 

Someone is missing at the hearth, 

All is so incomplete. 


THE WRECK OF THE NOBLE. 

DULUTH’S HARBOR LIGHTS WERE OUT THE NIGHT OF THIS WRECK. AT 
THAT TIME THEY HAD NO FACILITIES FOR LIGHTING THEM FROM SHORE BY 
ELECTRICITY. 

Out in the angry billow and wave, 

The steamer Noble with twenty brave. 


43 




Fighting the storm in that night so dark. 

When not a star lent a kindly spark; 

But on that desert of water and wave 
The seamen cried, “0, save us, save! 

Until we reach the harbor and see 

The lights to welcome us home from the sea. 

“What a wonderful story we’ll all have to tell 
Of the angry waves that we fought so well—• 

Glad will the wife and the children be/’ 

Said the men. “They are waiting anxiously.” 

And one said, “Mother I can plainly see 
Is watching and waiting and praying for me.” 

The storm rolled on with its awful roar 

Till the hearts of the sailors grew sick and sore. 

Yet they sailed her on till they saw no more. 

Till death rose out of that water grave 
And the sailors cried, “God save us, save!” 

Yet no answer came but the hissing wave. 

“We’re lost! We’re lost!” the captain said, 

“Before the dawn we’II all be dead, 

I see no lights to guide us on, 

We lost our course, we must have gone 

Away from the harbor.” Upon the deck 

Fell the surging waves, bringing ruin and wreck, 

And pallid the faces of seamen shone, 

As they heard the dirge of the sea in its moan, 

And their thoughts were of loved ones behind then at home. 

Then came the dash of destruction and death, 

The ship whirled round, and short as a breath, 

The lives of those poor unfortunate men 
Were cut away,—Yet they might have been 
All saved; if the lights in the harbor had shone 
The ship would have safely been guided home. 

But now they are buried in graves unknown 
That the sorrowful sea will never disown. 


THANKSGIVING. 

When the old folks are awaitin’ 

Fir their children to come home. 
And old grandpa is a’ smilin’ 
Happier than iver known. 

And old grandma is preparin’ 

Many good things fir to eat, 

And the stove out in th’ kitchen, 

Is just burnin’ up with heat. 

When the fry cakes and th’ biscuits 
And th’ cookies and th’ cakes 


44 



And the cranberries and turkeys 
Seem perfum’d, fir goodness sakes! 

You might know there’s no misgivin’ 
’Bout th’ tim when this takes place, 
Guess yer know its ole Thanksgivin’ 

I can see it in yer face. 

Thank th’ Lord fir dear ole mother, 
Sure you’ll niv’r find a cook 
That kin make things good as she kin 
And she doesn’t need a book. 


A SOLDIER’S REVERIE. 

All hearts in thee united are 
My own America! 

All hopes are neath thy guiding star 
For justice is thy law. 

My country of the true and brave. 
Dear home of Liberty, 

O’er land and sea forever wave 
Thy emblem of the free. 

Each color for a virtue stands, 

The flag red, white and blue 

Flaunts over Freedom’s blessed lands, 
Flaunts o’er the silent true. 

Red represents the patriots blood 
That flow’d from Freedom’s hearth 

White represents the deeds of good 
Where mothers bore their part. 

to 

It is the banner of the brave, 

And sure the somber blue 

Stands for the heroes in the grave, 
The noble hearts so true. 

Who cannot feel a thrill of pride 
To see this banner wave 

And mourn the men who for it died, 
Its waving o’er their grave. 

And when the tyrant lifts his hand 
Assaulting Liberty, 

With God we all will take our stand 
To battle for the free. 


45 














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